The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) was delighted to host the Bursary and Scholarship Awards Ceremony for Agriculture degree students at Greenmount Campus on Friday 19 April 2024.
Over the years students at CAFRE have greatly gained from strong partnerships and generous financial backing from Agri-Food companies.
The 2024 Industry Support Programme at Greenmount Campus awarded £29,500 to students studying on Ulster University validated Bachelor's Honours Degree and Foundation Degree courses, and Queen’s University Belfast BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology students studying at CAFRE.
Sixteen companies presented awards to students which included ABP, Calor Gas Ltd, Dale Farm, Danske Bank, Fane Valley, Genus ABS, Gibson Trust, Irish Farmers Journal, John Thompson and Sons Ltd, Lakeland Dairies, LMC, Moy Park, Tyrone Farming Society, Ulster Farmers' Union, Ulster Grassland Society and Yara.
Thirteen first year students studying Agriculture degree courses, received a combined total of £19,500 in Bursary awards. Additionally, four second-year students were presented with a total of £10,000 in Scholarship awards, resulting in a substantial overall financial contribution of £29,500 from CAFRE’s industry partners.
Martin McKendry, CAFRE Director, welcomed award winners, their family, friends and business representatives to the Industry Partners Event. He commended the sixteen sponsoring organisations for recognising the value of supporting new talent entering the agriculture sector.
Commenting on the event Mr McKendry said: “To ensure the continued success and competitiveness of the agriculture industry in Northern Ireland it is important that there is a continuous supply of professionally qualified and highly motivated entrants.
“The Bursary and Scholarship programme enables Agriculture businesses to invest in the future through offering tangible support to CAFRE students. Today we not only welcome the financial awards being presented to the first-year students, but the opportunity for our second-year students to connect with businesses through their work placement year as they receive Scholarship awards.
“At CAFRE we pride ourselves in training job-ready graduates and we hope today, as Award winners you will benefit from the opportunities our industry connections offer you.”
Mr McKendry thanked the many organisations who have been long standing supporters of the student financial support programme at Greenmount Campus, Antrim.
In recognising the industry support offered to Greenmount Campus Agriculture students, second year, Honours Degree student Matthew Hall thanked the business representatives for their contribution to the programme.
Matthew commented: “Today, we extend our gratitude to all the organisations that support us through Bursaries and Scholarships at Greenmount Campus in addition to the ongoing support you provide throughout the year. From organising farm visits, to hosting guest speakers, participating in Careers Fairs, conducting mock interviews, and involving us in challenging projects, your contributions are truly valued.
“Your support plays a significant role in our development as we strive to become effective leaders to drive sustainability, react to climate change and address industry challenges.”
CAFRE offers full-time and part-time Agriculture courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Honours) Degree courses.
For further information on courses and how to apply for a course starting in September 2024 visit the CAFRE website.
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