The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise hosted an 'Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair' for students studying Floristry and Horticulture at Greenmount Campus, Antrim.
The Careers Fair offered businesses interested in offering work placements or graduate employment the chance to engage directly with CAFRE students.
Students connected with company representatives to find out more about potential career paths, and in some cases to hear about the next step in preparing to apply for one of their companies' roles.
On commenting on the Careers Fair, event organizer Caithriona McCrudden, Lecturer at CAFRE said: "Through our careers program we aim to develop the employability skills of our students, support their career planning, and ultimately contribute to their successful transition into the world of work. This year we are delighted to have over 25 organizations present, many with imminent positions to fill. Today's event gives employers access to CAFRE-trained students, who have the desire to follow great careers in the horticulture sector."
A broad range of businesses were represented at the Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair, demonstrating the breadth of career opportunities that exist within the sector.
Ben Neill from Newtownabbey is a first-year student studying the two-year Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture course at CAFRE.
"I found the Careers Fair really useful. As this is my first year studying Horticulture the event provided me with the chance to explore the vast array of career paths and employers out there. I gathered lots of useful information about summer work opportunities and the different career options for me, whether that's in garden maintenance, crop production, amenity, or landscaping. There's so much to choose from!"
Kyle Ross from Randalstown is on target to graduate this summer with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture. Kyle commented: "The Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair enabled me to connect with professional organizations. Working in garden retail I was particularly keen to hear about the Horticulture Trades Association's (HTA) commitment to support the growth, adaption, and nurturing of the next generation of Horticulturalists."
In conclusion, Lori Hartman, Senior Lecturer at CAFRE commented: "The Careers Fair invigorated academic and career aspirations for our students. It was wonderful to see such a wide range of organizations in attendance showcasing job opportunities available at a range of entry levels for our students. We are in no doubt that CAFRE students have been inspired by today's event."
Source: daera-ni.gov.uk