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Opportunities grow with CAFRE

March 2, 2026

CAFRE held its fifteenth annual ‘Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair’ for students studying Horticulture and Floristry courses at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus, Antrim.

The ‘Opportunities in Horticulture’ Careers Fair which attracted over 25 exhibitors. showcased a broad range of Horticulture employers with many promoting student work placements and active employment opportunities.

BSc (Hons) in Horticulture graduate Arlene Douglas discusses opportunities at Acorn Farm with James O’Prey and Lewis Heatley
Level 3 Horticulture students Evelyn Chamberlain and Charlotte Benson chat with Emma Kingham, Antrim Enterprise Centre
Michael Pollock, Beechill Landscapes discusses career opportunities with Horticulture Apprentice Andrew Grey.
Laura West from Coleman’s Garden Centre chats with Level 3 Horticulture students Ramona McCloskey and Barry Wheeler.
Galgorm Collection representatives Stephen Mackle and Kelly Kane share opportunities with students at the Horticulture Careers Fair.
Richard Gilpin from Gilfresh Produce shows the range of locally grown vegetables to Michigan State University exchange student Hayley Goldstein.

Commenting on the Careers Fair, event organiser Caithriona McCrudden, Lecturer at CAFRE said, “I wish to extend our sincere thanks to all the employers and organisations who participated in our Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Day. Your enthusiasm to be part of it provided invaluable support and an excellent platform for our students to engage with businesses. It was truly an inspiring day!”

Horticulture offers meaningful work and the industry needs more talented, enthusiastic people to take it forward.

Jordan McWhirter from Glenarm Castle discusses opportunities available for students with CAFRE Senior Horticulture Lecturer Adam Ferguson.
Carly Long and Matthew Mulligan from Go Succeed chatted to CAFRE students Joanne Quinn and Carol Kitson.
Past FdSc in Horticulture graduate Eoin Quinn from Greenisland Horticulture and Flowers chatted with Level 3 Horticulture students Erin Esler and Michael Lauder.
Neil Cummings and Will Armitage from the Horticulture Trade Association shared insights and training opportunities with students.
Level 2 Floristry Students Maria Healy and Eden Quigley chatted with Chris Wood and Wayne Barber from Interflora.
Robert Dunsieth represented KFW Group at the CAFRE Careers Fair where he chatted with Level 3 Floristry students Suzie McMullan and Jamie Kelly.

“Working in Horticulture offers the chance to shape living landscapes, restore ecosystems, improve food security, and make our communities greener, healthier places to live. Whether you’re finishing school or looking for a fresh start, Horticulture offers endless possibilities,” commented David Dowd interim Head of Horticulture. “From sustainable food production and plant science to garden design, environmental management, and the care of historic landscapes there is a path for every interest and personality. Today reinforced that studying Horticulture isn’t just about gaining a qualification; it’s about joining a sector that’s evolving rapidly and full of opportunity. Technology, climate change, biodiversity, and new approaches to land use are reshaping the industry in exciting ways. Our courses give learners the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience to step into that future and make a real contribution. If you’re curious, motivated, and want a career that gets you outdoors, challenges you to keep learning, and lets you see the impact of your work every day, then Horticulture could be your perfect fit. We’d be delighted to help you begin that journey at CAFRE,” added Mr Dowd.

Greenmount Campus, Antrim offers Horticulture courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Honours) Degree level. The campus is hosting an Open Day on Wednesday, 11 March. For more information, click here to book to attend one of three tours at 10:30 am, 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm.

Kenneth McElnea from M Large Tree Services chatted to Level 3 Horticulture Student Cameron Gilbert.
Gemma Sandford from National Trust shared career insights with CAFRE Horticulture student.
Robert Wilson and Una Quinn representatives of the National Trust at Mount Stewart, chatted with Level 2 Horticulture student Briege McKay and Senior Lecturer Colman Byrne about placement opportunities.
Northern Tree Services representative Adam Brennan discussed industry insights with Department of Economy Career Advisors at the CAFRE Careers Fair.
The Conversation Volunteers representative and BSc (Hons) in Horticulture graduate Edele Feenan, caught up with Senior Lecturer Colman Byrne.
Hilary Lafler and Alice Cooke from Westland Horticulture chatted to FdSc in Horticulture student Breege Duffy.

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