Food and Drink Academy Information Evening 2026

Are you, or someone you know finishing Year 14 studies this summer and considering seeking employment opportunities after school? Perhaps you have taken a GAP year and are now thinking about options for September 2026.

Have you heard about the new ‘study first’ Food and Drink Academy being offered by CAFRE and NIFDA involving businesses in Northern Ireland? Applications are currently being accepted, and will remain open until Friday 20 February 2026 at 5pm. Applications received after the closing date will only be considered if there are places left on the Academy. 

Join us online to hear about this exciting new programme, which offers you the chance to start earning from your first day at college. We are holding an online information session on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at 7.00pm to tell you about the programme and to introduce you to the businesses that are offering excellent Food and Drink Academy Apprenticeship jobs.

Interested? Send an email to the Programme Manager, Nicola Kerr, who will forward you a MS Teams link to attend the Information Evening.

or Email: Nicola.Kerr@daera-ni.gov.uk for the link to access the online event.

For further information on the Food and Drink Academy or to access the online application form please click on the button below.