IN a Careers Panel discussion, hosted by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at Enniskillen Campus recently, students received valuable insights from industry experts. The discussion was led by Leo Powell, Contributing Editor of The Irish Field, who, with the panellists, provided guidance and advice to aspiring equine students.

The panel comprised of renowned industry representatives, two of whom were CAFRE graduates. The panel members were ‘Super Groom’ Alison Bell, who joined remotely from Chesire where she works as a Groom for International Event Rider, Yasmin Ingham; James Harrison, who is Stallion Manager at Newgate Stud, New South Wales, Australia, and joined by video link; Casey Webb, who works at Ballymac Stables with Trevor and Steven Smith of Smith Brothers Eventing; Cheryl Broderick, who heads up the breeding section of Ballypatrick, the family business in Co Tipperary; Paul Keane, Sales Manager at The Curragh; and Ciara Devitt, the Education Initiatives Manager for Godolphin Ireland.

Leo conducted individual interviews with each of the panellists, with each sharing invaluable advice with the students. They all emphasised the importance of setting goals, making a plan to achieve them and never giving up. Asking questions and continuous learning were also highlighted as essential aspects of success. All of these were very positive takeaways from a motivational panel discussion, with each panellist demonstrating that anything is possible if you set your sights on it.

Enniskillen Campus offers equine courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Honours) Degree level. The campus is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, April 13th, book to attend via the events section of www.cafre.ac.uk.

For further information on courses and how to apply for a course starting in September 2024, visit the website: www.cafre.ac.uk