Lucy’s life at Loughry Campus
March 20, 2025
My name is Lucy Wylie and I am from Dungannon. I am studying on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Science at CAFRE, Loughry Campus.
I heard about CAFRE and the range of courses they offer from my careers teacher in my previous school. When I started to research what options CAFRE had, I discovered a range of food courses offered at Loughry Campus. I was particularly attracted to the Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Food Technology and Science and the Food Technology and Nutrition courses on offer after GCSE study.
The fact that you would complete a work placement as part of this programme sparked my interest. The courses offer a great opportunity to experience the world of work firsthand.
I am now in second year and am really enjoying my course at Loughry. The practical elements of the programme and the opportunities for industry visits particularly interest me as they add a real-life angle to what we study during class and our practicals.
Our practicals in the purpose built Food Technology Centre provide additional experience for us. We work as a team to manufacture a range of products throughout various subjects that we study.
Last year I also had the opportunity to complete an additional qualification. I was successful in gaining a Highfield Level 3 Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing.
Overall, I am enjoying studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Science. I’m developing excellent knowledge in relation to the food industry including the science and technology of food. As well as, quality management, meat technology and dairy technology. I am also developing many new skills that will be important in my future career. These include presentation skills, report writing, teamwork and working on my own initiative. I have also made great friends with the people I met in my time at Loughry Campus.
In addition to learning in classes, I also developed my knowledge through completing a 12-week paid work placement with ABP Linden Foods. My placement was based within the Quality Assurance Department. I was responsible for carrying out testing to ensure all products were made to the correct standards and met customer requirements. During my placement, I was able to put the theory I learnt in the classroom into practice at work. Now I am applying what I learnt in industry to the modules I am currently studying in my second year. After the placement, I secured part-time employment with ABP Lurgan, and I really enjoy it.
After I complete this qualification, I hope to continue my higher education studies at Loughry Campus. I know that by furthering my education with Higher Level Apprentice or Degree Study at Loughry I can enhance my knowledge and skills even further. Along with increasing the career opportunities that will be available to me in the future.
I advise anyone who is interested in pursuing a career path in food to come and study at CAFRE, Loughry Campus. The lecturing staff at Loughry are very supportive and encourage you to achieve your full potential. The student body is also great; they are very friendly, supportive and welcoming. Deciding to study at Loughry Campus after my GCSEs is one of the best decisions I have made.
More information about the range of Further Education courses that CAFRE offer can be found here. Loughry campus is hosting an Open Day on Tuesday, 25th March. Book to join us, by clicking here.