Since its 2023 launch, the Agricultural Consortium and Teagasc’s Farm Apprenticeship Programmes have significantly transformed agricultural education in Ireland, expanding rapidly from 98 farms to over 200 registered employers by 2025. Building on this success, Teagasc aims to introduce a similar apprenticeship model to the equine sector, addressing the demand for combining practical on-farm experience with formal education to develop skilled thoroughbred and sport horse professionals.

A collaborative Equine Consortium has developed a proposed three-year Stud Manager Apprenticeship leading to a Level 7 bachelor’s degree, designed to fill skills gaps and create clear career pathways in the equine breeding industry. The programme focuses on comprehensive stud farm management, including horse care, team leadership, veterinary coordination, and business operations. Before finalizing the programme, a survey is being conducted to confirm industry needs and employer capacity, with the apprenticeship offering benefits such as government grants and practical workforce development.