CAFRE Apprenticeship programmes for the Equine Industry

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is accepting applications for the Level 2 Apprenticeship and Level 3 Apprenticeship in the Equine Industry programmes starting in October 2023.

Level 3 Equine Apprentice Ralph Robinson with Cherry prepares for his BHS Stage 3 assessments at Ash Hollow.

Apprentices accepted onto the course will work in the equine sector, receive training from the CAFRE team based at the College’s Enniskillen Campus, and work towards the British Horse Society Stage 2 / Stage 3 exams.

Apprentices on the programme will be required to attend Enniskillen Campus for short blocks of training periodically throughout the year and to complete weekly evening online theory sessions. The courses cover a range of topics including riding and non-riding options to suit different interests.

Apprentices must be aged between 16 and 24 years and about to take up or already be in paid employment in Northern Ireland. A minimum of 21 hours work a week is a requirement. Staff at CAFRE can provide guidance on sourcing suitable employment to anyone interested in following the Apprenticeship programme.

Joseph Murphy, International Event Rider and Owner of Joseph Murphy Eventing stated: “We have a Level 3 Apprentice working and training with Enniskillen Campus and ourselves. Hiring apprentices for us is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce. As an employer we not only get a trained member of staff, but we get can qualify for funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training. We have a great working relationship with CAFRE and the apprenticeship scheme.”

CAFRE’s Equine Lecturer, Jenny Richardson comments that: “Completion of these courses enhances employment opportunities for a diverse range of roles within the equine industry.”

Further information can be obtained by emailing Jenny Richardson jenny.richardson@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Check out the CAFRE website to find out more about the Degrees, Level 3 and Level 2 courses available at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus.

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