Dr Eric Long chats to CAFRE students Michael Curry (Armagh), John Kelly (Armagh) and Emmet Burns (Lurgan) about career opportunities in the agri-food industry
Choosing the right career path after you leave school is one of the most important decisions in your life. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) offers school leavers, whether after Year 12 or Year 14, opportunities to study agri-food and land-based courses.
CAFRE is Northern Ireland’s specialist land-based college, with campus locations at Antrim, Cookstown and Enniskillen. The college is an integral part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). This connection closely aligns programmes with key strategic Government priorities.
Join us during Open Week (Tuesday, 25 March to Saturday, 29 March) at Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Greenmount Campus, Antrim and Enniskillen Campus to discover courses for you or a family member to study at CAFRE.
CAFRE’s courses can shape your future career after GCSEs or A-Levels, opening opportunities in areas of Agriculture, Equine, Food and Horticulture.
On speaking about the chance to visit the college during Open Week, Dr Eric Long, Head of Education at CAFRE said:
“While brochures, websites, and online reviews offer valuable insights into college life, there’s no substitute for experiencing CAFRE firsthand. During Open Week we will provide opportunities to explore our campuses, meet staff and students, and get a feel for what life would be like if you decide to study with us.
“I would encourage prospective learners and those influencing their decision-making process to book now to secure a place at our Open Week.”
CAFRE’s Open Week events commence on Tuesday, 25 March at Loughry Campus where the focus is on Food programmes. Book now to discover Level 3, Foundation Degree, Honours Degrees, Master’s Degree and Food and Drink Industry Apprenticeship training opportunities.
At Loughry Campus courses have been reformulated to meet the demands of a changing food supply industry. Join us to hear about our new Sustainable Agri-Food Management degree and our study first Food and Drink Academy being offering in conjunction with food business employers.
If you are interested in the natural environment, career paths in Horticulture and Floristry will be showcased at Greenmount Campus on Wednesday, 26 March.
Whether it’s plant production, landscaping, sports turf management or working with flowers join us to discover opportunities to grow your career. Our courses range from Level 2 through to a BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture.
Agriculture and Land-based Engineering courses will be our focus on Friday, 28 March at Greenmount Campus.
With Agriculture courses available from Level 2 through to BSc (Hons) Degree, come along and discover a programme for you. Those interested in working in the agriculture machinery sector can hear about our Level 3 full-time course in Land-based Engineering and view our engineering facilities and equipment on offer.
Equine courses at Enniskillen Campus will be explored on Saturday, 29 March.
Book now to discover Equine programmes on offer from Level 2 through to Honours Degree. If you are passionate about racing, riding or breeding our equine facilities will help set your career off to a flying start. If you are working in the sector join us to hear about industry, online and short courses available to develop your career.
Attending Open Week events is more than just an opportunity to see a campus. We want you to choose the right course and college for you. By experiencing the environment, meeting key people, and asking questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into CAFRE life. Join us and make the most of our events to help you find your ideal college. We hope to meet you soon.
Plan ahead, book now to secure your attendance at CAFRE Open Week events, from Tuesday, 25 March to Saturday, 29 March 2025. To book, visit the events page of: www.cafre.ac.uk