Food careers in focus at Loughry Campus

Students at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) benefit from the college’s close links with the agri-food industry. Loughry Campus recently hosted a Careers Day to encourage students to connect with employers. They met with companies and heard about the wide range of job opportunities available in the food industry.

CAFRE National Diploma Food students chatted to staff from Finnebrogue about the career opportunities available within the business at the Careers Fair held at Loughry Campus.

The Careers Day started with Guest Speaker talks from representatives from; ABP, Coca-Cola HBC, Derry Group Ireland, Dunbia, Frylite, Finnebrogue Artisan, Genesis, McColgan’s Quality Foods and Mackle Food Company. The companies gave an overview of their business, discussed potential job or placement opportunities and provided useful advice on applying for roles.

A Careers Fair then followed. With the attendance by 29 companies from across Northern Ireland students were given the opportunity to network with food business employers. The college was delighted to welcome back twelve Loughry graduates who were in attendance promoting opportunities within their companies.

Commenting on the Careers Day, Shane McKinney, Head of Food Education at CAFRE said: “We are delighted with the interest shown by food businesses to attend today. Over the years we have developed connections with employers and they tell us of the value they attribute to linking with Loughry students. We aim to develop focused graduates, with the determination and aptitude to succeed in an ever changing food and drink industry.”

The Careers Fair not only focused on graduate opportunities but also work placements on offer to the Further and Higher Education Food students. Whilst studying at Loughry Campus students are encouraged to complete periods of work placement. On placement students can apply knowledge learnt from their time in lectures, laboratories and the food processing facilities demonstrating to employers the real value of a CAFRE student.

If you are interested in following a career in food, now is the time to discover courses at CAFRE. The college offers Further Education courses for those leaving school with GCSE or equivalent qualifications and Higher Education Foundation and Honours Degree courses suited for those with A-Levels or equivalent. Study at Loughry Campus and develop the skills to become a Food Manager of the future!

For further information visit the CAFRE website.

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