Local farmer John Payne recently completed the Advanced Diploma in Personal and Business Communication delivered by the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise at Loughry Campus, Cookstown and offered through Queen’s University Belfast.  

John has a background in farming and thoroughly enjoys his work; however within the past number of years he has been under increased pressure to further his learning to enhance farm prospects and future career opportunities.  John has worked on the family farm all his life and wanted to develop communication skills when dealing with key business issues associated with modern farm practices.  When asked about the highlights of the programme John commented that:

‘The programme helped me to develop the skills required to communicate key issues that farmers face today.  The ability to effectively communicate offers a sense of empowerment and I feel that the farming community need to feel empowered in order to communicate the key issues and challenges they face in these difficult times’.

The programme aims to provide people with the necessary communication skills required to work in business, community or rural development sectors. It offers a unique opportunity to get back onto the learning ladder, enhance career prospects and gain a recognised Queen’s University qualification.  The programme is suitable for people at all stages of their careers and is particularly relevant for those who feel that the lack of qualifications is hindering their career progression.  

If you are looking for a course that will give you the confidence and skills you need to develop yourself and enhance your career prospects then the Advanced Diploma in Personal and Business Communication may be just what you are looking for.  The next programme is scheduled to begin on 7 October, 2009 and will be delivered at Loughry Campus, Cookstown.

To register your interest in a place on the programme or to find out more, contact Marion Nugent at CAFRE, Loughry Campus, Cookstown on 028 8676 8165 or email marion.nugent@dardni.gov.uk. Alternatively you can find out more about this course or any of our courses by dialling Freephone 0800 028 4291 or browsing this website. You can also apply online at www.qub.ac.uk

John with his cattle on family farm in South Londonderry