Conleth McCallion – CAFRE student profile

My name is Conleth McCallion and I am from Clady, Co. Antrim. I am currently in my final year completing the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus. I hope to graduate in June 2024.  

While studying my GCSEs at St Patricks, Maghera, I had the chance to watch a virtual open day event online and I knew the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land- Based Engineering would be a great place for me to start my career. I have always had an interest in mechanical work and engineering from an early age, so the Land-based Engineering course ticked all the boxes for me. I was impressed by the facilities and the ‘learning by doing’ hands on approach. The course duration is 2 years starting in mid-September each year. 

I am thoroughly enjoying my time at CAFRE. I enjoyed the practical classes and being in the workshop with the skills group. I learned how to weld and gained a basic knowledge in electrics and electronics. During first year, we had the chance to meet several employers while studying, and we gained the opportunity to visit the Krone machinery distributor for Ireland, Farmhand Ltd Damastown Co. Dublin, and a large New-Holland machinery dealer, Armstrong Machinery, Jordanstown, Co.Dublin. 

I am currently employed with Erwin Agri-care based in Limavady, a Claas Machinery Dealership. My day-to-day tasks involve, servicing, building Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI), and general repairs.  

I would highly recommend the Land-based Engineering course at Greenmount Campus. It will equip you with the employability skills for life and has fantastic facilities to offer you ‘hands on’ learning.