Skip to main content
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • CAFRE announces New Level 3 Award in Business Management for the Equine Sector

    Date published: 9 December 2025

    The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is proud to announce the launch of a new qualification designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals in the land-based industries.

    Find out more about the new Level 3 Award in Business Management for the Environment and Land-Based Sector, visit www.cafre.ac.uk

    Starting in February 2025, the Level 3 Award in Business Management for the Environment and Land-Based Sector will offer learners the opportunity to enhance their business acumen and leadership capabilities in a format that suits working professionals.

    This twelve-week course is tailored for individuals already working in the sector, such as equine business owners, yard managers, and freelance professionals, who are seeking to upskill and take their enterprises to the next level. The qualification is also suitable for those aspiring to move into management roles within land-based businesses.

    The programme will be delivered through a blend of in-person sessions at CAFRE’s Greenmount and Enniskillen campuses, alongside online learning components to provide flexibility for participants. Over the course of ten weeks of instruction and two study weeks, learners will explore a wide range of topics essential to running a successful business in the land-based sector. These include business structure and organisation, strategic planning, marketing and customer service, financial management, legal compliance, and sustainability.

    One of the key strengths of this qualification is its accessibility. There are no formal entry requirements, although participants are expected to have relevant industry experience and suitable literacy and numeracy skills. Assessment is carried out through written assignments completed during the course, and successful candidates will be awarded a City & Guilds Level 3 Award—an industry-recognised credential that reflects a strong foundation in business management.

    CAFRE encourages early registration, as places on the course are limited. This qualification represents a valuable opportunity for professionals to gain practical, sector-specific business skills that can be immediately applied in their work environments.

    To register your interest and receive further information, please visit the CAFRE website and navigate to the Business Support > Courses section or contact laura.smith@daera-ni.gov.uk.

    Notes to editors:

    1. Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
    2. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.

    Latest news

    • Minister announces Social Farming Capital Grant Awards of over £120,000

      14 January 2026

    • CAFRE launches collaborative Level 3 Business Management Course

      14 January 2026

    • DAERA announces financial support for pre-movement testing in Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone

      8 January 2026

    • Minister Muir outlines vision for resilient agriculture sector at Oxford Farming Conference

      8 January 2026

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens