Earn, learn and get ahead with CAFRE’s Food and Drink Academy

Date published: 9 February 2026

The Academy offers a four‑year Higher Level Apprenticeship programme that combines university‑level study with paid employment in a Northern Ireland’s food and drink business. 

The Food and Drink Academy, which has been developed in partnership with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) offers learners the opportunity to work with leading employers in the sector. Students study at Loughry Campus for a BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, as part of a Higher-Level Apprenticeship study route, validated by Ulster University. 

Learners on the Academy are employed from day one on a salary of £22,000 per year. They attend CAFRE four days each week during the first academic year, allowing them to have that valuable student experience, while they build financial independence, and gain substantial industry experience with their employer. As an apprenticeship study route there are no academic fees to be paid by the learner. This combination of employment and academic study helps learners grow in confidence and strengthen their professional skills, enhancing their potential to progress into managerial roles within their organisation.

Speaking about the Food and Drink Academy, Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education at CAFRE, said: “The Food and Drink Academy is about unlocking potential. We want young people to gain the confidence, skills and the industry insight they need for management careers in one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative and exciting sectors. This programme gives learners the chance to experience innovation, develop key knowledge and skills, and take their first steps towards becoming future leaders in a food and drink business.”

One of the eleven employers with an opportunity in the Food and Drink Academy for the September 2026 intake is Pilgrim’s Europe, who are offering a Technical Apprentice role based at their Craigavon Site. Ashleigh Scarlett from Pilgrim’s Europe expressed strong support for the programme, commenting: “At Pilgrim’s Europe we are passionate about driving innovation and excellence within the food and drink sector. The Food and Drink Academy presents an exciting opportunity to develop skills, share knowledge, and collaborate with industry leaders. We believe this initiative will play a vital role in supporting growth, sustainability, and talent development across the sector, and we are proud to be part of the Academy.”

CAFRE encourages school leavers ready to take their next step towards a future in this dynamic industry to submit their applications to the Food and Drink Academy before Friday 20 February 2026. For further information and to submit an application, visit the CAFRE website.