LAST year, the first-ever Agri Careers fair was brought to you by the Irish Farmers Journal and Open Eir. With more than 1,000 jobs on offer the event attracted some 7,000 visitors and this year promises to be even bigger and better.

For equine enthusiasts, there will be a number of equine representatives there on the day ranging from equine colleges such as CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus to the governing body of horse racing, Horse Racing Ireland who will be recruiting for seven summer internships at this year’s Agri Careers fair.

The focal point of the event is the main stage, which provides a platform for those who have already built careers in the industry to impart nuggets of wisdom and inspiration which will resonate with people long after the fair. This year, Louisa Williams designer of ICE-VIBE horse boots, Patrick Ryan of Horse Racing Ireland and Clodagh Kavanagh of Godolphin Flying Start will be discussing opportunities in the equine sector. Chaired by our Editor, Leo Powell this discussion will take place at 14.15pm.

EQUINE SPEAKERS

Louisa Williams started horse riding at a young age, before going on to work for Coolmore Stud and trainers Charlie Swan and Aiden O’Brien. Williams tapped into her experience with horses to develop Ice-Vibe, a rechargeable cooling, massaging boot to soothe equine legs. Horseware Ireland now distributes the Ice-Vibe boot all around the world.

Patrick Ryan has worked with Horse Racing Ireland for over 10 years, and is the co-ordinator of CARE (Careers and Racing Education Department) which works with industry stakeholders in the evolution of an education, learning and development strategy for the equine industry in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Clodagh Kavanagh is the general manager of the Godolphin Flying Start programme which is a two year full-time international management and leadership training programme for the thoroughbred industry.

The programme is run in conjunction with Smurfit Business School.

ADVICE FOR ATTENDEES

Speaking about the upcoming event, Patrick Ryan told The Irish Field that: “Agriculture and the equine industry is a huge employer and has a huge base here in Ireland. You only have to look at the success we enjoyed at the most recent Cheltenham Festival.” Ireland accounted for 19 of the 28 winners at this year’s festival. “It’s a healthy, buoyant industry and the people attending Agri Careers are the future, so I’m very much looking forward to meeting them next week,” continued Ryan.

When asked if he had any advice for students attending the event Ryan said: “Go in with a clear idea of what you want to take away from the day, highlight key people or businesses you would like to speak with and make sure you go to those people.

“If you are bringing your CV, make sure that you tailor your CV to each business and/or job, this will help your CV stand out. Finally, take care with spelling – watch out for small mistakes.

“Carry yourself well, remember there are loads of potential employers at this event, but don’t be afraid to ask questions – the silliest question is the question that has not been asked.”

With regards to advancing you career or for those starting out on the employment ladder, Ryan’s advice was as follows: “Get as much experience as you can and gain as many contacts as you can along the way. Never be afraid to approach people and ask them for some work experience, most people are happy to help and happy to have the help.”

Commenting on the seven HRI internships on offer, Ryan stated that: “Coming from a strong equine background with experience in the industry is not essential, however, an interest in the industry is important.

“The interns who will be based at headquarters will help run all marketing activities. Successful candidates will be involved with event management, digital marketing, database management and PR.

“Racecourse interns will also gain experience in marketing, logistics, sales, operations and administration sections of the racecourses, all of which contribute to the successful running of a racecourse.

“Applications are growing year on year and this year we decided to extend the deadline so that those attending Agri Careers would have a chance to apply. To apply for the internships, simply download an application form from the goracing.ie page and send it, along with your CV, to internships@hri.ie. The closing date for applications is 31 March at 5pm.”

EXHIBITORS TO NOTE

There are approximately 53 exhibitors at this year’s Agri Careers. Here we have highlighted some that might be of interest to equine enthusiasts.

ALLTECH ?

Founded in 1980 by Irish biochemist and entrepreneur Dr Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a leading global biotechnology company whose mission is to improve the health and performance of people, animals and plants through natural nutrition and scientific innovation. Alltech’s core business improves animal health and performance by adding nutritional value to feed. The Alltech Equine Advantage is a program that consists of natural, nutritional solutions tailored to address challenges impacting horse health and performance.

CAFRE ?

Equine courses offered at Enniskillen Campus incorporate a strong practical dimension and the philosophy of ‘learning by doing’ is applied throughout all programmes. Excellent equestrian, classroom and residential facilities exist at the campus and these are utilised to enable students to develop both their practical and theoretical skills in a pleasant environment. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities including the Campus Racing Club, the Show Jumping Club and the Equine Riding Club.

CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS ?

Connolly’s Red Mills is one of the most trusted global names within the areas of high performance animal feed, pet food and agri products. Connolly’s Red Mills horse feed is trusted by leading owners and trainers worldwide. Their horse feed formulations provide all the nutrition high performance animals demand, using the finest of fresh, natural ingredients to support digestion, wellbeing and performance. Connolly’s Red Mills work closely with vets and research departments of leading universities to bring the latest nutritional technology to our products, and to you, our valued customers.

THE DEPARTMENT

OF AGRICULTURE ?

This government organisation employs more than 3,000 staff all around the country and in cities across the globe. Its mission is to serve the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector. DAFM is responsible for regulating animal welfare and disease control etc.

DUNDALK IT ?

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has earned a reputation as the leading higher education provider in the North East of Ireland, with over 4,500 students attending the college. DkIT provides high-quality programmes in agriculture and animal and veterinary science. Their veterinary nursing course, for example, will allow graduates to work as professional registered veterinary nurses with all the relevant practical competencies covered in relation to dogs, cats, horses, farm animals and a range of exotic species.

HARPER ADAMS

UNIVERSITY ?

Based in Shropshire, Harper Adams has a long and proud tradition of working closely with the rural sector. Harper Adams has around 400 students studying agriculture and around 300 people studying animal courses. The industry is growing and potential employers include local authorities, wildlife parks, the retail pet industry, animal health products, welfare organisations, and nutritional and pharmaceutical companies. This university also offers courses in veterinary nursing and physiotherapy. In 2015, Harper Adams University was the runner-up University of the Year at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

HORSE RACING IRELAND ?

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the national authority for thoroughbred horse racing in Ireland, is offering seven internships at this year’s Agri Careers fair. HRI is looking to fill three internship positions at its headquarters and four racecourse internship positions – one each at Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Navan and Tipperary. To apply, download an application form from the goracing.ie page and send it, along with your CV, to internships@hri.ie. The closing date for applications is 31 March at 5pm.

IRISH FARRIER AUTHORITY ?

The Irish Farriery Authority Ltd is the umbrella body for Farriery in Ireland. It is responsible for The Irish School of Farriery - Provider of farriery training in Ireland and the Irish Farriery Register - Database of farriers practicing in Ireland. The Irish School of Farriery is located at the RACE campus in Kildare town and is a provider of world-class training in farriery. It’s four-year farriery apprenticeship course has been developed in association with SOLAS and upon successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Farriery

MSD ?

MSD Animal Health offers animal health professionals, farmers, pet owners and governments the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. The company is dedicated to preserving the health, well-being and performance of animals. MSD Animal Health have offices in more than 50 countries around the world and sell their products in over 140 markets. The Irish head office is in Leopardstown in Dublin. MSD employs 30 people in its Irish office.

TEAGASC ?

Teagasc is the agriculture and food development authority in Ireland. Its mission is to support science-based innovation in the agri-food sector and the broader bioeconomy that will underpin profitability, competitiveness and sustainability. The main responsibility of Teagasc is to provide integrated research, advisory and education services to the agricultural and food industry and rural communities. Teagasc was established in 1988. Teagasc headquarters is in Oak Park in Carlow, while the organisation has an additional 55 local offices and research centres throughout Ireland.

THE IRISH FIELD ?

The Irish Field was established in 1870 and is Ireland’s only newspaper dedicated to racing and equestrian sports. The paper is published every Saturday and is a must-read for all equine fans. The Irish Field covers all thing equine, from latest racing, breeding and sport horse news to reports and results from the point-to-point scene. The Irish Field is part of the Agricultural Trust, which also publishes the Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Country Magazine and Irish Country Living. Mark Costello is the editorial manager.

UCD ?

For anyone thinking of a career in agriculture, equine science or veterinary, a visit to the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science stand is a must. UCD is the only Veterinary School on the island of Ireland. Find out about the range of degree and post-graduate programmes offered by the UCD School of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, as well as putting your questions to our team.