Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production QQI Level 3

Who is this course for? 
This course, leading to a Minor Award in Level 3 Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production, is for anyone who would like to develop practical skills in growing vegetables outdoors. This course would be particularly relevant to young people, school students, youth groups, or anyone beginning their journey in sustainable food growing. We also welcome applications from teachers and tutors of any age. Courses will be offered in collaboration with partner organisations.

Why should I take this course? 
This course offers a practical, hands-on introduction to outdoor vegetable growing, from preparing the ground to harvesting, and connects participants to the core skills of sustainable food production.

When can I start this course? 
Future intakes of the course will be offered in collaboration with partner organisations. If you are interested in partnership opportunities please contact [email protected].
If you are interested in participating in this course as an individual, please fill out the expression of interest form on our website.

What do I need to be accepted onto this course? 
You must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence associated with Level 2 on the National Framework of Qualifications
You must have a competent level of spoken and written English
You must have a PPS number
Applications must include a brief statement explaining why you would like to take part in this course

What Will I Learn? 
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
List the tools, materials and equipment required to grow outdoor vegetables
List the stages of ground preparation for vegetable sowing
Explain pH levels in the soil
Explain the purpose of and techniques for thinning, transplanting and weeding
Describe a range of preventative methods for controlling vegetable diseases and pests, both organically and with chemicals
Carry out a soil test
Prepare the ground for growing vegetables including clearing the ground organically or with chemicals, single digging, improving soil fertility, cross-digging the area, forking over, raking and levelling, marking out and preparing drills
Sow a vegetable crop from seeds or transplant a crop outdoors
Use a range of techniques to maintain the vegetable crop including thinning, transplanting, watering, feeding, weed-control, mulching, disease and pest control
Harvest the crop at the correct stage of maturity
Demonstrate communication, teamwork and quality awareness in a horticulture environment
Apply appropriate health, safety and personal hygiene procedures when producing a crop of vegetables

What will I do? 
Participants in this course will:
Take part in practical, hands-on tasks across the outdoor vegetable-growing cycle
Work individually and as part of a team to grow and maintain a crop
Build and document a portfolio of work demonstrating their skills and learning

How will this course be delivered? 
The course will be delivered in collaboration with partner organisations; bespoke plans will be developed in collaboration with these organisations.
Independent work will also need to be completed.

How is this course assessed? 
Skills Demonstration 80%
Portfolio / Collection of Work 20%

Course Details 
Award: Minor Award in Level 3 Outdoor Vegetable Crop Production // 10 Credits
Number of places: TBD – partner organisation
Next intake: TBD – partner organisation
Course Director: Tim Mac, email: [email protected]
Application Closing Date: TBD – partner organisation

Transfer and Progression 
Achievement of this award will enable the learner to transfer to other appropriate programmes leading to awards at the same level of the National Framework of Qualifications.

Fees 
Fees will be determined in collaboration with partner organisations

Apply: please contact us 
[email protected]