Loughry Campus invites prospective students to Food Courses Open Evening

Date published: 23 September 2026

Are you getting closer to taking the next step in your academic journey? Have you considered a career in the food and drink industry? The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown is inviting prospective students, parents and guardians to attend our upcoming Food Courses Open Evening on Tuesday 6 October.

The event will provide visitors with an opportunity to discover the range of food-related courses available at CAFRE and gain first-hand insight into life as a student at Loughry Campus. Guided tours will depart at 4:30pm and 6:30pm, allowing guests to explore the campus's industry-leading facilities and meet the staff and students who make Loughry Campus a unique place to study.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about courses ranging from Level 3 programmes through to full-time Higher Education and Higher Level Apprenticeships. Campus staff will be available throughout the evening to discuss course options, entry requirements and the exciting career pathways available within the food and drink sector.

During the tours, guests will visit a range of specialist facilities, including the Food Technology Centre, where students gain practical experience using industry-standard equipment and technologies. Demonstrations will showcase how science, innovation, creativity and sustainability are integrated into the curriculum, preparing students for careers in one of Northern Ireland's most important industries.

The Open Evening will also feature visits to the Sensory Suite and Packaging Laboratory, where attendees can discover how product innovation, food quality, consumer testing and sustainable packaging are shaping the future of food production. Visitors will gain an appreciation of the practical skills and knowledge developed by students studying food courses at Loughry Campus.

Representatives from Student Support, Residential Services and Student Finance will be available to answer questions and provide guidance to prospective students and their families.

Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education at Loughry Campus, said: "Our Open Evening is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to experience what makes studying at Loughry so unique. Visitors will see our outstanding learning facilities, meet current students and staff, and discover how our courses provide the practical skills and industry knowledge needed for successful careers in the food and drink sector."

Northern Ireland's food and drink industry generates approximately £7.3 billion in economic value, supports almost 109,000 jobs, and accounts for over one-third of all manufacturing sales in Northern Ireland. Despite Northern Ireland having less than 3% of the population of the UK, we produce more than 10% of the UK’s food output. A career in the food industry not only provides security of employment, it also provides opportunities for travel as food manufacturing is a global industry.

The food industry continues to seek talented individuals with the skills to drive innovation, sustainability and growth. Whether you are leaving school, considering a career change, or looking to enhance your qualifications, Loughry Campus offers courses designed to help you achieve your ambitions.

Join us on Tuesday 6 October 2026 and discover where a qualification from Loughry Campus could take you. Tours depart at 4:30pm and 6:30pm. To find out more about our courses and to book your place at Open Evening, visit the CAFRE website.