The Gibson Trust supports Agriculture student tours
February 28, 2026
CAFRE values its strong relationship with The Gibson Trust. The Trust continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting Agriculture students studying at Greenmount Campus. This year the Trust is extending its generosity by offering significant financial support to learners enrolled on both the Level 3 full-time and Level 3 Agriculture Apprenticeship programmes delivered at CAFRE.
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 study tours being organised by staff at CAFRE. These tours will be undertaken by final year students on the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture and Level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture programmes. The educational tours will take place in April and May 2026, prior to the students completing their programme.
Sharon McLaren, interim Head of Agriculture Education at CAFRE said, “Study tours take learning beyond the classroom and allow students to experience life on farm enterprises first-hand. These opportunities contribute significantly to our students’ academic, personal, and professional growth. Organising the tours near the end of the programmes provides a meaningful milestone, particularly for those preparing to complete their studies and move into employment.”
Joe Mulholland, Senior Lecturer explained, “This year, 65 final‑year Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture students have expressed interest in taking part in the programme’s study tour. We intend to divide the participants into three groups, to visit a range of farm enterprises. The tours are planned for the middle of May, following the completion of assessments. Staff will accompany the groups to businesses located across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These study tours will form a central part of our experiential learning approach, which is strongly promoted within CAFRE. During the visits, students will observe first‑hand how theoretical concepts translate into practice within real‑world industry settings. This experience plays an important role in strengthening students’ understanding, retention, and application of the knowledge gained throughout their course.”
For many students, the tours represent their first opportunity to travel independently, away from the comfort and familiarity of their home environment. They will encounter new cultures and perspectives and take part in routines and activities designed to strengthen their confidence and independence.
“Throughout the Apprenticeship study tour visits, students will meet business owners, professionals, and peers across a range of sectors. These interactions enrich their overall experience, helping students build meaningful connections, offering valuable insights into potential career pathways and the skills needed to succeed,” commented Philip Holdsworth, Senior Lecturer of the Level 3 Apprenticeship programme, CAFRE.
“We are sincerely thankful to The Gibson Trust for offering financial support to CAFRE’s Level 3 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 Agriculture 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, 13 March 2026. Book now to attend.