Limerick Institute of Technology in partnership
with Pallaskenry Agricultural College
is offering a 3^rd level course

"HETAC Higher Certificate in Technology in Agricultural Mechanisation"

Duration:                                  Two years

Awarding Body:                       HETAC (Level 6)

Progression:                             To year 2 of the Engineering Technology Degree, UCD
                                                Diploma in Agricultural Engineering, TraleeIT
                                                Ordinary Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Agricultural), TraleeIT
                                                Degree in an English Agricultural College

Location:                                  Pallaskenry Agricultural College and 
                                                Limerick Institute of Technology

Method of Application:             CAO

Maintenance Grant:                   VEC (means tested)

Course code:                            LC 841

The aim of the course is to provide education and training for students to enable them to work within the area of agricultural techology and the food industry in general. Employment opportunities are for skilled technicians in the farm machinery industry in Ireland. Graduates will be able to cope effectively and competitively with the rapid rate of technology change that is a feature of today's farm machinery industry. This course has a mix of technology, practical, academic, administrative and managerial sudjects. Graduates would primarily be prepared to carry out the now complex diagnostics and repairs of modern machinery and be receptive to future technology developments. Graduates would also have an introductory administrative and managerial knowledge to take advantage of vacancies that will arise within the industry.

Entry Requirements and Application Procedures

Applicants must apply through the CAO. Applicants must have passes in five Leaving Certificate subjects at ordinary level (Grade D3 or higher). The subjects passed must include Maths and either English or Irish. If there are more applicants than places, the standard points system will be used to rank applicants. Holders of relevant Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) awards may also apply through the Higher Education Links Scheme
(Please note that to avail of this option you must complete a CAO form as a "Special category applicant") Mature students may also apply.

During year one (September to March) students spend four days per week at the Agricultural College and one day per week at the Institute of Technology.

Students take the following subjects: tractor engineering and workshop processes; electrical and electronic technology; machinery operation; agricultural engineering science; computer studies (including CAD); project.

Students go on a 33 week placement in March to approved training locations – garages, contractors, fabricators etc. Students will be facilitated with foreign placements in the USA and New Zealand if required.

Students return to college in January. During year two students spend 2 days per week at the Institute of Technology and 3 days per week at the Agricultural College.

Students take the following subjects; tractor engineering and workshop processes; electrical and electronic technology; business management; workshop administration; agricultural engineering science; computer applications.

On satisfactory completion of the course students are awarded a HETAC Higher Certificate in Technology  in Agricultural Mechanisation.

Students who successfully achieve a merit or distinction in their Certificate may apply to enter 2nd year of a relevant degree in engineering or technology in Ireland or the United Kingdom.

Costs
A residential student (for year one of the course) has to pay Pallaskenry 3300euros approx for board and meals. The cost is 1900euros for a non-residential student.

Please note.
The 3^rd level registration fee is separate to the above and is payable directly to LIT.

Student in this course may be eligible for VEC or County Councils 3^rd level maintenance grants. These are means tested and you should contact your local VEC etc for further information.

Students who successfully complete the course will have fulfilled all the educational requirements for Stamp Duty Relief, Retirement & Installation Aid