Companies Offer Contracts To MTU Tralee Agri-Engineering Students Before Final Exams

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Peter Smith from Pat O’ Donnell & Co. Volvo facilitating a training day for students and staff at MTU.

STUDENTS completing the Agricultural Engineering four year degree course at Munster Technological University’s Kerry campus in Tralee are routinely offered lucrative contracts with design and engineering firms across Europe even before their final exams, such is the demand for highly-skilled graduates in the sector, programme leaders say.

The renowned, industry-focused Agricultural Engineering programme at the National Centre for Agricultural Engineering in Tralee is 45 years old this year.

Current and future undergraduates can now look forward to studying new technologies in design, robotics, sensors and instrumentation, precision farming, vehicle electronics and more at the new €30m Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) School which is about to begin construction.

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The new facility has been given the planning green light and features state-of-the-art engineering workshops and facilities.

It will further boost the Tralee campus’ reputation for advancing technology in the booming Agri Tech sector.

As this year’s third year students begin their paid work placement in February, many expect to have a job offer and contracts signed, ever before they begin their final year of study.

Agricultural Engineering is synonymous with Tralee and it was the flagship course when Tralee RTC came to being in 1977.

The programme has continuously evolved over the years, advancing technology in the Agri Tech sector. Today, Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus offers Level 7 and 8 degrees to CAO applicants.

Graduates can also enrol in postgraduate Master and PhD programmes by research at a full or part time basis, Agricultural Engineering course lecturer and project co-ordinator, Chris O’ Donoghue explained.

“Tralee is the National Centre for Agricultural Engineering and the on-campus research centres provide support to industry, graduates, and undergraduates alike.  Agricultural Engineering programmes in Tralee are accredited by Engineers Ireland (EI) and the Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE). First round CAO points in 2021 for the Level 7 Degree was 220 and the Level 8 was 301, making it a very attractive programme for all applicants interested in pursuing an exciting career in agricultural engineering and agricultural technology with huge international travel prospects,” Chris O’ Donoghue added.

The majority of course lecturers and technicians who support and guide the successful applicants each year worked in the industry prior to joining the college. Many are Tralee graduates and have an open door policy with students.

As the average annual intake is typically around 30 students, group sizes are such that engagement with staff is informal and on a first name basis, which lends itself to a more personal educational experience for learners, fellow lecturer and course graduate, Niamh Foley, added.

“Our staff have very strong national and international links with industry and international links with universities in France and Italy. Students complete a paid work placement in the second semester of year 3 for a minimum duration of 12 weeks. Many placement employers retain these students for a further 3 months over the summer period. Such is the demand for technicians and engineers in the industry presently that frequently students in year 4 sign full time contracts for engineering positions well before they sit final exams. Their pay and conditions are very favourable and well above that of average salaries for graduates starting out in other sectors,” she said.

Students learn via a combination of lectures, practical workshops and tutorials. Maths is a component, but higher-level Maths is not a requirement to enter and excel in Tralee.  Modules covered across the Degree programme include new technologies in design, robotics, sensors and instrumentation, precision farming, vehicle electronics, hydraulics, tractor technology, health and safety, management and applied mathematics.

Final year projects in year 3 and 4 give learners the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge and demonstrate their prototypes on assessment days.  A very important embedded element for many students is being finalised with Teagasc presently to ensure learners  receive a “Green Cert” equivalent after year 3. This would them see them as qualified young farmers and is acknowledged by Revenue for the purposes of Stamp Duty and Tax relief on farm transfer.

There may be a misconception out there that Agricultural Engineering is a programme that is orientated to farmer’s children. This could not be further from the truth according to Chris O’ Donoghue.

“The programme has had many female students down through the years who have gone on to excel in the industry and in education.  The university is continually encouraging young female applicants to apply for our engineering programmes, especially Agricultural Engineering. Students do not have to be from a farming background to succeed in this programme.”

For more, log on to: https://www.mtu.ie/courses/kerry

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