St Peter's College in Killester, Dublin, provides a PLC in horticulture which can be used as an entry point into the Writtle Horticultural College in Essex, England. St Peter's course has been running for 14 years and has an age profile of people from 18 years to 58 years.

The course provides an introduction into horticulture covering areas such as garden design timber crafts, plant and soil science and computers.

Course director, Brendan Ryan, says that anyone good enough or interested enough in pursuing their horticultural studies beyond the one year programme will be considered for a diploma or degree course in Essex. About five students every year out of 20 go on to study at Essex. During the year the class visit the Essex College.

Other students from the course are taken on for apprenticeships in golf courses or gardens. Some students opt for work in nurseries or garden centres.