A new part-time traineeship programme has been launched for workers in the milking machine service, testing and installation sector.
The new programme will offer registered technicians an opportunity to achieve a new national qualification to support their career development, according to the organisers of the initiative.
It will be open to new employees entering the sector, “providing them with a career pathway and learning opportunities”, it was added.
Partnership
The new programme is a partnership between Milk Quality Ireland, ICOS Skillnet, Teagasc and Technological University Dublin (TUD). In a statement, the partner firms say:
“It is designed to address the needs of milking machine technicians in a rapidly changing business environment and to establish an accredited academic award in recognition of the skills acquired by technicians.
The two-year part-time course will be delivered jointly by Teagasc and Technological University Dublin (TUD).
The student on completion of the programme will be awarded a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Milking Systems Technology.
Programme
According to organisers, the programme will cover a range of electrical, electronic, mechanical and professional skills modules delivered by TUD, and milk quality, animal welfare and milking machine testing and operations modules delivered by Teagasc.
A blended learning programme, including online resources, the course includes lectures, case studies, practical demonstrations, self-directed learning, and a number of work-based learning tasks.
The course is being provided over two years on a part-time basis to meet the needs of existing milking machine technicians and those wishing to enter the sector.
Candidates from other related disciplines, who wish to develop their skills in this sector, will also be considered.
The programme will be presented by academics and industry practitioners, leading to a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Milking Systems Technology from Technological University Dublin, and which is also recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).