Businesses meet future talent at CAFRE’s Opportunities in Food Careers Fair

Date published: 3 March 2026

The event brought together forward-thinking food businesses eager to offer placements and graduate roles, giving them the chance to connect directly with the next generation of food professionals. Students met with company representatives to explore diverse career pathways and discover steps to take to prepare for future employment in this dynamic industry.

Commenting on the Careers Fair, Dr Gillian Stevenson, Senior Lecturer at CAFRE said: “Our careers programme is designed to strengthen students’ employability skills and guide them as they plan their future pathways. We are delighted to welcome nearly 30 organisations to Loughry Campus, giving employers direct access to highly skilled, CAFRE trained students. We hope the connections made today will support a smooth transition for our learners into rewarding careers within the agri food industry.”

The food and drink industry is central to the Northern Ireland economy, employing thousands, championing local produce on the global stage, and continuously innovating to meet changing consumer demands. A broad range of businesses were represented at the Opportunities in Food Careers Fair, demonstrating the breadth of career opportunities which exist within the sector.

Julieanne Hardy (Coagh), a first-year student studying on the BSc (Hons) Food Innovation Management degree course said: “I found the Careers Fair useful. The event provided me with the chance to talk to a range of employers and explore an array of career paths. It was particularly useful as I am considering placement year opportunities.” 

The careers event welcomed back to Loughry Campus a range of past students. Clare Millar, Senior Lecturer said: “I was delighted to catch up with Lucy Stewart, a previous Level 3 and Degree graduate from the Class of 2025. Lucy is now working with Sillis Green Veg Ltd, she’s a great advocate of CAFRE’s courses. It’s wonderful to reconnect with our former students and hear how they’re progressing within the industry. Their achievements are living testimony to the wealth of opportunities that await our students.” 

Leah Montgomery from Drumahoe is on target to graduate this summer with a BSc (Hons) Food Innovation and Nutrition degree. Leah commented: “The Opportunities in Food Careers Fair gave me the chance to connect directly with companies offering new graduate roles. It’s reassuring to meet employers who are enthusiastic about engaging with fresh talent entering the agri food sector.”

Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education at CAFRE remarked: “It was wonderful to see businesses showcasing job opportunities available at a range of entry levels for our students. I am in no doubt that our students have been inspired by talking to so many working in the industry and hearing about the great opportunities available to them.”

Your future in food

The food industry needs fresh talent with food qualifications to enhance innovation and promote sustainability. If you or someone you know thrives in a team environment, seeks a non-desk-bound career, enjoys practical problem-solving, values travel opportunities, and desires a challenging yet rewarding career with promising job prospects, consider study at Loughry Campus. The college offers full-time and part-time Food courses from Level 2 Apprenticeships through to BSc (Honours) Degree courses. 

The campus is hosting an Open Day on Tuesday 10 March, book to attend via the events section of the CAFRE website.