Agriculture apprenticeship students who completed their Level 2 and Level 3 part-time qualifications at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Enniskillen campus recently celebrated receiving their qualifications.
The part-time agriculture course delivery at Enniskillen campus enables students to continue to work in their home farm, whilst gaining a formal academic qualification.
According to CAFRE, many agriculture students study through the apprenticeship route at the campus.
Farmers can also encourage their employees to gain a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in work-based agriculture qualification through the apprenticeship programme.
CAFRE
Philip Holdsworth, CAFRE senior lecturer, congratulated the students on their achievements.
“The courses we deliver at Enniskillen campus provide excellent opportunities for school leavers and for those already working in agriculture to gain the most up to date skills and knowledge required to be successful in the industry.
“The students have taken advantage of the opportunity to attain a nationally awarded agricultural qualification while continuing their employment.
“They have effectively balanced both work and study, earning whilst they learnt,” he said.
There were a total of eight prizes presented to students who recently gained their qualifications.
Dale Bratton from Lack was presented with the Harry West Prize for endeavour on the Level 3 Diploma in work-based agriculture programme at Enniskillen campus.
Michael Bothwell from Fivemiletown who was the top dairying student on the Level 3 Diploma in work-based agriculture programme, was presented with the William Wilson Cup.
Conor Dunne from Maguiresbridge was presented with the Ulster Bank Cup for being the top student on the Level 2 programme.
Matthew Johnston from Newtownbutler was presented with the Fermanagh Cup as top Co. Fermanagh student on the Level 3 Diploma in work-based horticulture course.
Jamie Allen from Aughnacloy was awarded the South Tyrone Cup for being the top Co. Tyrone student on the Level 3 Diploma in work-based agriculture course.
Stewart Brown from Macken was awarded with the Fermanagh Grassland Club Prize awarded for grass skills.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) prize for top student in practical work went to Conor Dunne from Maguiresbridge as part of his Level 2 Diploma in work-based agriculture course.
The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) prize went to Chloe Mitchell from Fintona who was named as the student who had made the most progress during her studies for the Level 3 Diploma in work-based agriculture course.
Vaughan Trust Awards were presented to Lily Lowry from Strabane and Grace McIvor from Sixmilecross for attaining highest marks on the programme.
Students
Dr. Eric Long, head of education at CAFRE, noted that the educational journey does not need to end after a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
Students are encouraged to upskill further and progress onto Level 3 courses or the Level 4 qualification in Agricultural Business Management.
“CAFRE students are supported throughout their learning, as education brings with it success,” he, said.
A course information evening planned for 7:00p.m on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Applications are currently open for courses starting in September 2025.
