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A career in horticulture should be considered by anybody who enjoys working with their hands and in the outdoors; working with plants and in green spaces , or has a general interest in the quality of our environment. The horticulture sector in Ireland has grown significantly in recent years, resulting in a variety of careers available to those with an interest in this wide - ranging discipline.
Food production is a very significant sector of the horticulture industry. ITB's location in North West Dublin is right beside one of the largest concentrations of production for fruit and vegetables in Ireland. This is an increasingly sophisticated industry, with a strong demand for graduates with knowledge of modern food production processes and techniques, scientific knowledge such as post harvest physiology, supply chain management skills, logistics and business management skills.
The horticulturist can also bring their interest and skills to bear on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Horticulture Therapy is used increasingly in a broad range of occupational therapy settings, with horticulturists contributing as part of a team to the overall care and rehabilitation of individuals facing a variety of challenges.
There has been large scale development of the built environment in Ireland over the last decade, in urban , suburban and rural areas. The quality of this development varies enormously; individuals, communities, businesses and state bodies have become increasingly concerned with the amount and quality of green space available to them as a major contributor to our overall health and quality of life. Because of this, there is an increasing demand for the horticulturist who can design, create and manage facilities such as parks and gardens, all manner of green spaces and other natural amenities, field sports facilities, golf courses and forestry resources.
In all sectors of the horticulture industry plants are vitally important. In terms of the commercial value, plant production, is an important revenue generator in the horticulture sector. There is a strong demand for graduates with excellent knowledge of the science and management techniques required to produce plants for the wholesale and retail markets, alongside knowledge of plant pathology, quality assurance, customer service and business management skills.
In parallel with this, there is a growing concern among consumers about environmental issues such as the quality of food we eat, the environmental cost of its production, the level of pollution in our living areas, protection of the natural environment, the impact of climate change and the loss of green space and outdoor amenities.
The horticulture courses on offer at ITB include modules on organic production, sustainability , ecology and bio diversity. This course is designed to incorporate both the theoretical and practical aspects of horticulture, giving the successful graduate the knowledge, skills and professional competence needed for their future career.
Career Opportunities
The successful ITB graduate is prepared for a career at the highest professional level and opportunities for employment in this sector are many and varied and include :
Design establishment and management of public green space and associated social and recreational facilities, outdoor amenities such as forest parks and sports facilities such as football pitches and cricket pitches, golf course and sports turf design, construction and maintenance, nursery stock and ornamental plant production, production of food crops, Garden & landscape design, construction and maintenence, restoration of historical parks and landscapes, horticulture therapy, garden centre operation and management and education sector. Some graduates may decide to work for themselves in various sectors of the horticulture industry.
View our full range of full time and part time Horticulture courses...
Full time Horticulture course list
Part time Horticulture course list
