Rise of 8% in number of students in farming and horticultural courses

THE number of participants in agricultural and horticultural training courses has increased

The total number of students in third level and nationally accredited vocational certificate courses, which commenced last month in 10 colleges, is 969. This follows a marginal increase in numbers in 2001, which broke a five-year cycle of declining numbers.

Enrolments in new third level courses, provided jointly by Teagasc colleges and institutes of technology, have increased dramatically. A total of 317 students accepted Central Applications Office offers for third level certificate and diploma courses in agriculture and horticulture. This represents an increase of almost 50% on numbers last year, which was the first year these courses were introduced.