22 September 2009

"A qualification gained whilst working on the farm"

The Level 2 Work-Based Diploma in Agriculture offered by the College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provides students with a high quality education in practical job related skills while working on the family farm or on an approved work experience farm. Courses are offered across Northern Ireland and are delivered by staff from Greenmount and Enniskillen Campuses beginning in the first week in October.

The course is practically based and aims to develop students across a broad range of agricultural skills. On-the-job training is supported by one day of class/instruction each week, part of which is used to develop the students’ knowledge in areas such as feeding, breeding, health and safety, calf rearing, grassland management, animal health and farm mechanisation. The importance of record keeping is highlighted with students receiving guidance on herd record keeping, medicine records, and personal finance such as basic banking and VAT. During the second part of the day, students travel to local farms to obtain instruction and practice in livestock skills. The students will have the opportunity to become proficient in areas such as dosing and fencing. Visits are organised throughout the year to farms, agricultural supply businesses, engineering firms and meal companies..

This course also offers students the opportunity to attend specialist “short” courses at Greenmount and Enniskillen Campuses. They can obtain certificates such as the PA1 Foundation Module in the Safe Use of Pesticides, Sheep Shearing and Manual Handling.

After successfully completing the Level 2 Work-Based Diploma in Agriculture, students can progress to Level 3.  

If you would like further information about the Level 2 Work-Based Diploma in Agriculture, please contact CAFRE at Freephone 0800 0284291.

David Hall (Omagh) with CAFRE lecturer Jolene McGovern

CAFRE students Alan Porter (Drumbo, Lisburn), William McKeown and Robert Frazer (both Banbridge) with CAFRE instructor William Archbold