Multi-Skilling Programme

Course Aim

This programme aims to provide young people with the opportunity not only to gain a trade but also to train in agriculture. This means that they will have the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment off the farm and to farm on a part-time basis.

Course Content

Students undertake two Level 2 courses, one in Livestock Production called a Diploma in Work-based Agriculture and the other in their chosen trade area for example, joinery, plumbing, plastering, bricklaying or motor mechanics. Training in the trade area will normally be delivered through day-release and work experience, organised by another training organisation.

Agriculture course delivery

Students attend Greenmount Campus for six one-week blocks. Free accommodation and bus transport will be provided (subject to approval).

Skills undertaken include:

  • Grassland
  • Health and safety
  • Livestock husbandry and nutrition
  • Machinery skills and maintenance
  • Record keeping

Careers destinations

Most trainees will be in work or will gain full-time employment in their chosen trade area and farm part-time.

Student profile: Ryan McBride

Ryan McBride

"I come from a mixed farm with beef, suckler cows and poultry houses and hope to take over the running of the home farm sometime in the future. I joined the Multi-skilling course because I wanted to learn more about farming, especially how to dose and treat stock, the foundation of rations and how much to feed. I have already met loads of new friends through this course. The last visit to a cereal farm was very interesting as I had never been on an arable farm before."

What Next?
Fact File

Course Location:

Greenmount Campus

Course Duration:

59 to 78 weeks (depending on the main programme category).

Entry requirements:

NPTC Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture:

Normally two Grade Cs or three Grade Ds at GCSE plus the equivalent of one year’s relevant industry experience which can be acquired prior to leaving school.

Work-based Diploma in the trade area:

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for ‘ApprenticeshipNI’ or ‘Training for Success’ set by the Training Organisation providing training in their trade area.

Course Manager:

Kenneth Johnston

Contact Details:

kenneth.johnston@dardni.gov.uk

enquiries@cafre.ac.uk

Telephone:

028 9442 6769
(Use 048 9442 6769 from RoI)

Text Phone:

028 9052 4420

Progression opportunities:

Students who complete the programme may be eligible to progress onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship in their trade area and the Level 3 in Agriculture.

multi skilling