Free organic horticulture course available in Mallow

CORK ETB Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) is currently offering places on its upcoming QQI Level 4 Horticulture course in Mallow.

The QQI Level 4 Horticulture programme is part-time and will take place every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the Q Centre Mallow, starting in late February, from 10am to 3pm. It runs for one year.

This programme is being offered to anyone in North Cork with a desire to learn more about gardening, garden maintenance and food growing, who are willing to commit themselves to part-time education three days per week.

It will enable the students to gain an in-depth knowledge of the principles of Horticulture. The programme is designed for students to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding of plant propagation, food growing, composting, soil care, plant care and maintenance, fruit growing and pruning techniques.

BTEI courses enable adults to return to education, in whatever area they feel would be most beneficial to them. Flexibility is the important thing, so courses are offered on a part-time basis, in the mornings, afternoons or evenings.

Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a BTEI course being offered, but we give priority to those who have left school early, e.g. those that have done Junior Cert or less.

Those who may be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, e.g. job-seekers or disability payments, carer’s allowance, one-parent family allowance, medical cardholders etc, are entitled to apply for BTEI courses.

Cork ETB welcome students of all ages, abilities and nationalities and promise to provide a learning environment which is both innovative and supportive. The aim is to give students an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.

Courses offer progression to further education and training, and all BTEI courses are free.