The IOM College are running Diplomas in Agriculture and Environmental Conservation, details of which are below. Please contact Caroline Perry on 490488 or Paula Creer on 490267 who would be delighted to speak to you for an initial discussion if you would like further information or are interested in joining any of the courses.
Details:
Diplomas in Agriculture and Environmental Conservation by Paula Creer, Alan Radcliffe and Caroline Perry at the University College Isle Man in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development run Level 2 and 3 diploma Qualifications in Work-Based Agriculture and Work-Based Environmental Conservation starting in October each year.
The diplomas are one, two or three year part time courses for agricultural and environmental conservation apprentices. After an initial introduction week at Knockaloe, the diplomas then include practical training with an employer combined with on-the-job assessments. There are also structured visits to other agriculture and conservation related establishments and specific short training courses. Each apprentice has to complete a number of units, some of which are mandatory and then there is a choice of others depending on the type of work they are doing in their workplace. They all complete a portfolio which can be used to demonstrate the level and types of skills they are competent in as well as their level of knowledge in a particular subject.
Examples of short training courses include: Emergency First Aid, Machinery workshops and use of agricultural machinery, Farm finances, ATV training, Dry stone walling, Cattle Foot trimming, Health & Safety in Agriculture, Fire Safety etc. Apprentices are also encouraged to enrol on other courses organised by DEFA e.g. pesticides, sheep dipping. Academic qualifications are not required prior to enrolling but applicants must be employed within the industry relating to their chosen Diploma. Funding may be available for course fees and support for employers through DED. The City and Guilds diploma qualifications are often accepted at UK agricultural colleges for enrolling on higher qualifications.
