Teagasc’s horticulture apprenticeship: A pathway to learning and growth
Aisling O’Connell, a horticulture apprentice at Tully Nurseries, shares her experience with John Mulhern, Teagasc College principal at the National Botanic Gardens, and Martin Tully, founder of Tully Nurseries
Print31 March 2025
Aisling O’Connell is currently completing a two-year higher certificate apprenticeship in horticulture at the Teagasc College in the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin. For her, the apprenticeship was the perfect way to gain hands-on experience, earn a qualification, and continue working.
“I was initially drawn to the apprenticeship programme because it was a way to learn, earn a qualification and work at the same time,” Aisling said.
The apprenticeship model integrates students, employers, and Teagasc College, which delivers and assesses the academic component. The programme consists of 50 block-release days per year, some of which are online to allow for remote learning. The current cohort began in August 2024 and will complete their studies in June 2026.
Practical experience
Aisling has been working full-time at Tully Nurseries in Ballyboughal, North County Dublin, for several years. She initially considered a Level 5 certificate in horticulture, but full-time education wasn’t financially feasible.
“Before I had started working in Tullys, I had been considering the Level 5 certificate in horticulture but, at the time, it wasn’t financially feasible for me to go into full-time education,” she said.
“When I was told about the apprenticeship, I knew that it would complement the practical experience I had already gained on the job, and I was excited to have access to more in-depth knowledge.”
In the first year, apprentices focus on plant identification, soil science, propagation, machinery safety, and IT. For Aisling, plant identification has been the most rewarding aspect so far.
“What I like most about the course is plant ID and learning the specific needs of each plant,” she said. “We grow a wide range of plants at Tullys, so I’m finding that particularly helpful in my day-to-day role. I am looking forward to the plant protection module, as I want to learn more about ways to combat pests in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.”
Enthusiasm and support
Martin Tully, founder of Tully Nurseries, has supported the apprenticeship programme since its inception and helped shape its structure. He immediately recognised Aisling’s passion for horticulture.
“Aisling was a natural fit to join the programme, with her enthusiasm for all things plant-related,” Martin said.
“She has not come from a traditional horticultural background and had a career in hairdressing before coming to the world of plants. Horticulture captured her imagination and she is thriving on the new knowledge that the apprenticeship programme is delivering.”
The apprenticeship programme includes students from various sectors, including landscaping, nurseries, parks and gardens, garden centres, and vegetable production. Being part of a diverse group has also enriched Aisling’s learning experience.
“There’s a lot to be learned from the other apprentices. They have insights and expertise that I haven’t experienced, and are always very willing to lend a hand when it comes to practical skills and assignments,” she said.
“There’s a good balance between on-the-job and off-the-job learning. Initially, I was concerned with how I would manage the workload, but the course is set out in a way that is very doable and I’m really enjoying the experience.”
Join the team
If you are interested in finding out more about the apprenticeship, contact: John Mulhern, Teagasc College of Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens and Ashtown, by email at john.mulhern@ teagasc.ie, or call 087-961-3860.
The above article first appeared in Today’s Farm. Access previous publications and find out more information on Today’s Farm here.
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