Growing the future: horticulture and floristry open day at CAFRE

HORTICULTURE and floristry courses were on display at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)’s open day.

Offering an insight into the wide range of study opportunities available within these creative and highly skilled sectors staff welcomed prospective learners to explore Greenmount Campus, Antrim.

Senior Lecturers met with visitors to discuss the range of study pathways on offer and emphasise CAFRE’s hands‑on, industry-driven approach to learning.

Following the introduction, attendees were divided into groups and taken on tailored, subject‑focused tours of the campus.

Blossoming careers

Prospective floristry students enjoyed a visit to the floristry studio to view the teaching facilities on campus and viewed a selection of arrangements created by students. Anne Marie Grant and Sherry Suett, Floristry Lecturers, discussed the training, design skills and assessment requirements involved in completing Level 2 and Level 3 Floristry programmes at CAFRE. Prospective students also watched on as lecturers provided demonstrations of the creation of floral arrangements.

Growing careers

Visitors exploring horticulture pathways toured several key facilities across the campus, beginning with the landscaping areas, walled garden and teaching spaces used for plant identification, maintenance and garden design. FdSc horticulture student Cameron Gilbert displayed some of his practical skills gained competing in the UK Skills Landscaping competition. The group then visited the horticulture centre, gaining insights into plant production, environmental management and the application of technology within the industry. For those interested in Sports Turf an additional tour allowed them to understand the specialist skills and modern technology required to maintain high‑quality playing surfaces.

Reflecting on the event, head of horticulture branch, David Dowd, said: “We’re delighted to have welcomed prospective students and their families to Greenmount Campus to view our horticulture and floristry facilities and hear about our courses. We hope this is the beginning of their journey at CAFRE.

Whether you’re finishing school or looking for a fresh start in your career, horticulture and floristry offer endless possibilities, in sectors that are evolving rapidly and full of opportunity.

“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 CAFRE could be your perfect fit.”

CAFRE offers floristry courses at Level 2 and Level 3, and horticulture courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Hons) Degree level. With full‑time, part‑time and apprenticeship pathways available, the courses are suitable for school leavers as well as those seeking a career change. Applications for all courses are now open, to find out more, visit: www.cafre.ac.uk