‘Best Placement in Ireland' award for Ballydehob man

BALLYDEHOB’S John Sweetnam, a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture – Agricultural Mechanisation – at the Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick, has won the award for ‘Best Placement in Ireland.’

This course provides young people with the knowledge and skills required for working in the farm machinery industry and running an agricultural contracting business. The course is a good balance of theory, practical mechanical experience and farm machinery operation. 

Students study modules in repair and maintenance of machinery, tractor engineering and workshop practices, fabrication, electric and electronic technology, crop management, environmental control, business management and information technology. As part of the course every student has to complete either a tractor-based or fabrication project. 

Students also complete a practical learning period with agricultural garage workshops, fabricators, agricultural contactors and foreign placement with combine crews or large farms. This award also meets the training requirements required by the Department of Agriculture.   

As part of his studies John Sweetnam fabricated a land leveller as his major project.  He completed his practical learning period with Atkins Farm Machinery in Cork.  John is continuing with his studies and is currently doing an agricultural mechanics apprenticeship with Atkins.