KILDALTON College has been at the forefront of training graduates for the equine industry for over 30 years. Based in south Kilkenny, they offer practical based courses for school leavers who wish to follow their passion in the equine industry.

The courses at Kildalton College are hands-on and industry-focused, which prepare students to step seamlessly into working life within the sector. Kildalton College provides two full-time courses, QQI level 5 and 6 in Horsemanship - Equitation and QQI Level 5 and 6 in Horsemanship - Stud Management. Currently there are 70 students engaged in equine training at the college. On successful completion of both of the Level 6 courses, students meets the training requirements as a Young Trained Farmer (Green Cert).

Applicants to the Level 5 Certificate in Kildalton must be 18 years old or over on January 1st in the year following entry. Applicants must successfully complete Level 5 to apply for Level 6. Applicants who seek to enter Level 6 with an equivalent Level 5 qualification must undergo the Teagasc RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

Students with this Level 5 award may apply to the Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equitation or Stud Management programmes. Progression to a higher education course may be possible through the higher education links scheme.

Being a Teagasc student gives you the opportunity to be part of a learning environment that allows you to develop both as a person and to forge friendships and working relationships that can last a lifetime. Kildalton has an Access Officer who can assess the learning support requirements of learners.

Apply online through the Teagasc public website: www.teagasc.ie/equine-courses/