Agriculture Apprenticeships offer rewards
Date published:
The Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships in Agriculture delivered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provide Apprentices with the opportunity to grow personally as well as professionally.
By balancing academic study with on farm responsibilities, Apprentices develop time‑management, communication and leadership skills that are essential in today’s agricultural sector. The structure of the programme encourages Apprentices to take ownership of their work, gain valuable knowledge and build confidence in their decision‑making.
For many, like Rebecca Mackey, it becomes a chance to step into an active role on farm while gaining the qualifications needed to support long‑term career aspirations within the agriculture sector. Employers consistently value the practical competence and knowledge that Apprentices bring, making training a meaningful investment to both the Apprentice and the future of any agriculture business.
Rebecca Mackey is an Apprentice on the Level 3 programme in Agriculture, studying at Greenmount Campus. Rebecca grew up on the family dairy and sheep farm based in Ballynure. She has taken on an active role from an early age working on the home farm. After completing her studies at Ballyclare Secondary School and keen to pursue her passion for agriculture, Rebecca spent two summers in New Zealand, where she worked on a dairy farm, milking cows and operating machinery and states “It was the best experience I’ve ever had!”
Upon returning home from New Zealand, with the ambition of taking over the management the of the family farm, Rebecca enrolled on the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture programme at Greenmount Campus. Rebecca stated that she selected this course because it allowed her to work and study simultaneously. This was important as she plays an integral role in the day to day running of the family farm, being responsible for the care of youngstock, daily milking and machinery operation.
Rebecca notes: “The benefit of doing an Apprenticeship is that I can keep working, earn money and still gain a qualification that will support my future career. With this programme, I’m able to go to Greenmount Campus one day a week and spend the rest of the time working on the farm. I chose to do an Apprenticeship programme because I find that I learn best when I’m actively practising the things I’m learning about. So far, I have been able to apply several topics covered in class to the farm which has been helpful. I would recommend anyone to study this programme at CAFRE as it’s such a friendly and inclusive setting. I’ve only being there four months and already I’ve made great friends! The lecturers are also lovely and make the classes enjoyable and relatable for everyone.”
Apprenticeship training in Agriculture provides Apprentices with fundamental, job specific knowledge and skills that equip them for success in the agricultural working environment. Rebecca’s father Andrew remarks “Having Rebecca on the farm has made life easier, it really takes the pressure off to have an extra set of hands, especially on busier days. It’s great having someone to pass your knowledge on to and watch them grow and improve in their work!”
To find out more about Apprenticeship training at CAFRE and to book to attend an Open Day, visit the CAFRE website.
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