CAFRE students get hands-on insight into engineering careers during dealership visit in Limavady

CAFRE Land-based Engineering students visited D.A. Forgie, Limavady building their industry knowledge of machinery sales.

Students considering careers in agricultural engineering were given a behind-the-scenes look at one of Northern Ireland’s leading machinery dealerships during an educational visit designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry experience.

A group of students studying the Level 3 Land-based Engineering programme at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus recently visited D.A. Forgie’s dealership in Limavady, where they explored the technical, commercial and customer service aspects of running a modern agricultural and construction machinery business.

The visit offered students practical insight into the machinery sector while highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available across engineering, servicing, sales and after-sales support within the land-based industries.

From tractors to telehandlers

Managing Director Susan Forgie welcomed the students and provided an overview of the business, its operations and the products supplied by the dealership.

Emily Scott (Garvagh), Oliver John O’Hara (Ballycastle) and Tom Wilson (Dungiven) reviewed pre-delivery inspection checks on a Kubota digger at D.A Forgie.

Students learned about the extensive range of machinery and equipment handled by the company, including Kubota diggers, tractors and RTVs, Merlo telehandlers, Kverneland agricultural machinery and horticultural equipment.

Discussions covered topics including machinery pricing, maintenance schedules and repair requirements, helping students understand not only the engineering aspects of the industry but also the commercial considerations that underpin successful businesses.

Innovative machinery showcases the future of farming

During a tour of the yard, students had the opportunity to inspect a range of modern agricultural machinery up close.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing a Kverneland Fast Bale Combi baler in operation. The innovative machine allows baling and wrapping to take place continuously without stopping, improving productivity and efficiency for farmers and agricultural contractors.

Students also viewed a new Kubota digger undergoing a pre-delivery inspection before being handed over to a customer, providing an example of the quality assurance processes required before machinery enters service.

Inside the workshop

CAFRE students Adam Wylie (Dungannon) and Andrew Henderson (Tobermore) on a study trip to D.A Forgie

The visit continued into the dealership workshops, where students observed maintenance and repair work being carried out by engineers and technicians.

They were also introduced to the business’s horticultural equipment division, demonstrating the breadth of machinery supported by modern dealerships and the diverse technical expertise required from staff working within the sector.

Throughout the visit, Susan Forgie stressed the importance of customer relationships and after-sales support, explaining how reliability, trust and strong staff relationships play a vital role in building a successful long-term business.

Sustainability in action

Students also gained an insight into how sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly important within modern businesses.

A tour of the dealership’s on-site wind turbine showed how renewable energy is being integrated into day-to-day operations, with electricity generated on-site helping to power the business while surplus energy is exported back to the national grid.

The practical example provided students with an opportunity to see how environmental considerations and commercial operations can work together successfully.

Preparing the next generation of engineers

Overall, the visit gave students a broad understanding of machinery sales, servicing, technological innovation, sustainability and customer service within a successful local enterprise.

It also highlighted the growing demand for skilled engineers and technicians within the land-based sector and the variety of career pathways available to those entering the industry.

For young people considering their options after GCSEs, CAFRE’s Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering is designed to provide the technical knowledge and practical engineering skills needed to begin a career in the sector.

The course combines hands-on learning with academic study and aims to equip students with industry-recognised qualifications and skills valued by employers across agriculture, construction and engineering industries.