Discover Apprenticeship opportunities at CAFRE

Peter Brown and Ethan Chambers, both from Moneymore attained Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships in Agriculture, achieving their qualifications through the Apprenticeship training programmes delivered at CAFRE. | College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

placeholder image — Peter Brown and Ethan Chambers, both from Moneymore attained Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships in Agriculture, achieving their qualifications through the Apprenticeship training programmes delivered at CAFRE. | College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Northern Ireland businesses are investing in their staff by partnering with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) upskilling new and existing staff through Apprenticeship NI training programmes.

As part of NI Apprenticeship Week (2-6 February 2026), CAFRE is highlighting the opportunities available for learners and employers to benefit from this dynamic approach to education and training.

Why choose an apprenticeship at CAFRE?

CAFRE’s Apprenticeship programmes combine on-the-job training with specialist learning delivered by CAFRE’s experienced tutors. This unique blend ensures apprentices gain practical skills while earning a wage.

CAFRE offers: Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships in Agriculture, Equine, Floristry, Food, and Horticulture alongside Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA) in Food and Drink Manufacture.

Through Apprentice training you will gain achieve a recognised qualification in your chosen industry, earning whilst you learn, with no tuition fees.

Employers will benefit from filling skills gaps within their workforce, improving productivity and staff morale helping retain and developing future leaders within their business.

ABP - Linden Foods employees, Roberts Peins, Patricia Isabel Da Piedade Marcos, Brian Watterson and Glenn Gallagher successfully completed the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Food and Drink training with CAFRE last summer. | College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

How Apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland combine employment, on-the-job learning, and part-time study. Depending on the programme, classes may take place at Greenmount, Enniskillen, or Loughry campuses, local centres or in the workplace.

Apprenticeships are fully funded by the Department for the Economy, meaning learners pay no course fees, making them a cost-effective way to build skills and talent.

Higher-Level opportunities

For those aiming for supervisory or managerial roles, CAFRE at Loughry Campus, Cookstown offers Level 5 and Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeships in Food and Drink Manufacture. Apprentices can earn a degree without tuition fees, making this an ideal route for individuals who want to progress academically whilst progressing in employment.

Shaping workforces

CAFRE’s Apprenticeship programmes are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across Northern Ireland’s agri-food and land-based sectors. By investing in Apprenticeship training, employers can secure a motivated, knowledgeable workforce ready to drive sustainable growth.

Interested in finding our more?

Join the next Open Days being held across CAFRE from Saturday 7 March – Friday 13 March 2026. Visit www.cafre.ac.uk for information on courses and to book an Open Day.