William Jackson – CAFRE Alumni

William Jackson completed the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering course in 2021. Having previously attended Killicomaine Junior High and Craigavon Senior High School for his GCSEs, William knew the path his career was going to take him.

“I have been interested in machinery for many years. My goal was to study at Greenmount Campus to allow me to gain additional knowledge and a formal qualification to allow me to start my own business. I am living the dream as people talk about! From finishing my studies at CAFRE I am now my own boss! I’m following a career as a self-employed mechanic and tractor driver, contracting with my own machinery.

Life now

I work on a wide variety of agricultural machinery; from grassland maintenance and gathering equipment, through to potato planting and harvesting equipment, and everything in between. Generally, work depends on the season. However, you will typically find me in the workshop most evenings. Working days can be long, twelve hours daily is a normal occurrence. Demand for work is intense, which has resulted in me now offering casual employment to other CAFRE students.

I really enjoy the freedom being your own boss offers. I can decide on what work to do and when. This means there is often a variety of work to be completed, which requires me to manage my time and the workload.

Study at CAFRE was different from the school environment. Our time was split between classroom teaching and practical classes within the workshops. I found the staff at Greenmount Campus were very approachable and easy to talk. They take time to take an interest in you and encourage you along the way. I’m still in regular contact with the staff and friends I made at CAFRE.

Since completing the Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering I have also completed the Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture at Greenmount Campus. Not only do I have an interest in machinery, but at home we also have a beef farm, meaning that I am never short of work!

My advice to a new graduate is do not pretend to know everything, pay good attention to the way other colleagues work. Make sure to watch, listen and pick up skills from others”.  

For information on Land-based Engineering courses follow this link.