Gildernew asks students to think about a future in food industry

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has called on students who will be receiving their exam results over the coming days to consider a career in the agri-food industry.

The College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) offers courses at National Diploma, Foundation Degree and Honours Degree level in a number of disciples across three campuses at Greenmount (Antrim) Loughry (Cookstown) and Enniskillen.

Commenting on the options the agri-food industry can offer school leavers, the Minister said: “This time of year poses many life-changing choices for local students. As they receive their exam results, particularly in the current economic climate, it will be harder than ever to know which course will deliver for them.

“The range of courses offered by CAFRE across our three campuses at Greenmount, Loughry and Enniskillen offer an alternative option. The agri-food industry is one of the few industries which has remained steady during the economic downturn. A priority for the agri-food industry is to attract appropriately trained and qualified professionals to fill key roles. These young people are the leaders of tomorrow who will take the industry forward and maintain it’s key position in our economy.”

She continued: “Most graduates from Loughry Campus this year secured employment in the food sector or progressed onto further studies and this level of success is currently a significant achievement. I would advise school leavers to seriously consider the opportunities studying at CAFRE could open to them. Loughry provides courses in food technology and related disciplines, while Greenmount offers courses in horticulture and agriculture and Enniskillen Campus provides equine related courses.

“If anyone is interested in more information in any of the courses provided at CAFRE they should visit CAFRE’s website or call the college. Understandably the next few weeks can be a very difficult time for school leavers and I hope they will take a serious look at what CAFRE has to offer.”

For more information on CAFRE and the courses on offer, please visit: the CAFRE Website

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