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?

  • Want to talk to someone about this course?

  • Contact the Course Manager listed in the fact file located in the individual course information page.

  • Want to apply to CAFRE for a place on this course?

  • Print out this application form (PDF 78 KB) and send it to us.
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  • We'll be in touch with you within a week.
Fact File

Course Location:

Greenmount Campus

Course Duration:

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

Entry requirements:

NPTC 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. Applicants will also be required to pass a multiple choice assessment testing their agricultural knowledge at interview.

NVQ in trade area: Applicants must meet the entry requirements for ‘ApprenticeshipNI’ or ‘Training for Success’ which are set by the Training Organisation which provides the training in their trade area.

Course Manager:

Derek McKinstry

Contact Details:

derek.mckinstry@dardni.gov.uk

enquiries@cafre.ac.uk

Telephone:

028 9442 6644
(Use 048 9442 6644 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