WITH exam results season approaching, now is the perfect time to consider a rewarding career in the equine industry. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is Northern Ireland’s specialist provider of equine education. Enniskillen Campus offers a wide range of courses designed for those with a passion for horses and a desire to build a successful future in the sector.

Whether you are leaving school, looking to upskill, or seeking a career change, CAFRE has a course to suit your needs. Programmes available from this September include full-time, part-time, short and online study options, with qualifications ranging from Level 2 through to Honours Degree level. Anyone with an interest in horses, equine management, coaching, performance or the wider equine industry can discover exciting opportunities and gain the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in this dynamic sector.

Courses after A-Levels and Irish Leaving Certificate

CAFRE provides a variety of courses, accredited by Ulster University. If you are looking for flexibility, study online over two years, part-time to attain a Certificate in Equine Science and Management.

If full-time study suits you, we offer a Foundation Degree and a BSc (Honours) Degree in Equine Management.

The Foundation Degree is delivered over two years at Enniskillen Campus and incorporates a period of work placement in the equine sector. On graduating from the course, learners can opt to enter employment or progress on to the BSc (Honours) Degree course.

The Honours Degree involves three years of study at Enniskillen Campus. Students can opt to complete a year of work placement, taking four years to complete the qualification. Learners develop their knowledge of equine care, racing, equitation, breeding, science and business management.

Degree students gain invaluable experience through CAFRE’s connections with industry, with the opportunity to apply for bursaries, scholarships and internships, which all help to progress their careers in equine management.

Equine Higher Level full-time courses are still open for applications through UCAS Clearing.

Study after GCSEs or Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level

Students who have completed GCSE or equivalent qualifications can apply to Level 2 or Level 3 Further Education programmes. Our full-time courses incorporate work placements, allowing students to enhance their expertise and understanding of the Equine sector. Additionally, we offer work-based Apprenticeship training courses for those employed in an equine business, in Northern Ireland, working a minimum of 21 hours per week. If you haven’t applied to study at CAFRE this September, you still have a chance to visit us at Enniskillen Campus.

Our staff will be available on exam results days. Stop by between 11.00am and 2.00pm to meet our teams and explore whether a course at CAFRE is right for you.

For information about CAFRE courses and how to apply, email: cafreenquiries@daera-ni.gov.uk or visit www.cafre.ac.uk for more information.