The Gibson Trust supports Agriculture student study tours
January 16, 2025
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) enjoys close connections with The Gibson Trust. The Trust has shown an interest in further supporting Greenmount Campus students by offering a substantial financial contribution to those studying Agriculture programmes.
The Gibson Trust is a registered charity set up to celebrate the life of William Gibson. Mr Gibson was born in 1840 on a smallholding near Dromore, Co Down. After serving his time as a watchmaker, he set up his own business in Belfast, making watches and high-quality silverware. Some years later, he started a second company in London. When he died in 1913, he bequeathed money to be invested to produce an income to help eligible farmers in Co. Antrim and Co. Down. For over 100 years, successive Trustees have managed the fund as directed in Mr Gibson’s bequest.
This year, The Gibson Trust will contribute to the cost of the annual study tours. These tours are undertaken by final year students on the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture programme. The educational tours will take place in May 2025, prior to these students completing their programme.
Sharon McLaren, acting Head of Agriculture Education at CAFRE said, “Study tours extend learning beyond the confines of a classroom. Visits to farm enterprises offer students a chance to engage with real-world experiences. We believe the study tours enhance our learners’ academic, personal, and professional growth. Organising the tours prior to course completion is a fitting occasion to mark, what is for some, the end of their educational journey before entering employment”.
Joe Mulholland, Senior Lecturer explained, “This year we have 68 final year Level 3 students who have expressed an interest in taking part in the programme. Our plan is to divide the students into three groups. Each group will be accompanied by CAFRE staff members to visit a range of farm enterprises. The tours will be made during the third week of May when assessments have been completed. Staff will then take the student groups to businesses in England, Scotland and Wales. The study tours will be a cornerstone of our experiential learning, something which is strongly encouraged within CAFRE. During the individual visits, students will see for themselves how theory is applied in real-world industry settings. Subsequently, fostering better retention and application of the knowledge the students have developed during their course”.
For many students, these tours will be the first time they will travel without the security of their family unit. They will be exposed to new cultures and perspectives. Students can engage in different routines and activities designed to build their confidence and independence.
During the visits students will interact with business owners, professionals, and peers in various fields. Building these connections will enhance the students’ experience. Additionally, it will offer them a glimpse into potential career paths, along with the skills required for success.
“Study tours encourage students to engage with group members, some of whom they have had little contact with over the past three years of their course”, commented Mr Mulholland. “It’s a great opportunity to create lasting memories and often we hear of lifelong friendships that have been forged thanks to the study tours. Sharing unique experiences strengthens bonds among students, creating a greater sense of community and belonging, something that we at CAFRE are proud of”.
“We are sincerely thankful to The Gibson Trust for offering financial support to CAFRE’s Further Education Agriculture students. The assistance will ensure as many students as possible can experience the study tours, without the pressure of self-funding the entire costs. We believe the trips are an invaluable part of college education, and help our students prepare for life and work after CAFRE,” concluded Mrs McLaren.
Further updates on The Gibson Trust Level 3 study tours will be shared in May and June. Stay tuned to the press and the CAFRE website to learn about the students’ visits and to hear about their experiences.
If you or someone you know is interested in Agriculture, encourage them to attend the upcoming Open Week at CAFRE. The Agriculture Courses Open Day is being held at Greenmount Campus on Friday 28th March. Book now to attend by clicking here.