Dale Farm deepens ties with Cullybackey College as pupils gain real-world industry experience

Caroline Martin, Dale Farm pictured with Sixth Form pupils from Cullybackey College

One of Northern Ireland’s best-known food producers has been strengthening its connection with young people in Ballymena through a year-long partnership designed to give pupils real insight into careers beyond the classroom.

Through the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative run alongside Dale Farm and Business in the Community Northern Ireland, students at Cullybackey College have been given hands-on experiences with one of the region’s major agri-food employers.

The initiative has seen Dale Farm staff work directly with pupils throughout the academic year, offering everything from business workshops and mock interviews to factory tours and career-focused presentations aimed at helping students better understand opportunities within the agri-food sector.

The collaboration also reflects a growing push by major employers to engage with schools earlier as industries across Northern Ireland face skills shortages and increasing demand for future talent.

Students given behind-the-scenes industry access

Among the highlights of the partnership was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Dromona Cullybackey production site, where students were able to see factory operations up close and gain insight into the scale and complexity of modern food manufacturing.

Dale Farm’s HR team and apprentices also visited the school to deliver presentations, product sampling sessions and question-and-answer discussions focused on career pathways within the business.

Sixth form pupils took part in mock interviews and business workshops designed to build confidence and provide practical experience ahead of entering further education or employment.

The company also supported the school’s Home Economics department during its Open Night activities.

Outside the classroom, Dale Farm extended its involvement into local sport by sponsoring kits for the local under-12 rugby team, further reinforcing the community aspect of the initiative.

Dale Farm says partnership helps bridge gap between education and industry

Students from Cullybackey College proudly showing off their new rugby kit, sponsored by Dale Farm

Caroline Martin, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Dale Farm, said the programme was about giving young people meaningful exposure to real working environments and career opportunities.

She said:

“At Dale Farm, we firmly believe that supporting education is about actively engaging with schools and sharing our industry knowledge and real-world experience, to help inspire young people and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

“By working hand-in-hand with teachers, staff, and students, we hope to ignite curiosity, broaden horizons, and encourage pupils to explore a wide range of career opportunities, including those available within the agri-food sector.

“Our partnership with Cullybackey College has proven to be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved and is a reflection of Dale Farm’s commitment to nurturing local talent and investing in the wider community.”

The initiative comes at a time when many employers are increasingly focusing on school engagement to encourage interest in sectors facing future workforce challenges, particularly manufacturing, food production and engineering.

School says pupils gained valuable confidence and insight

Dawna Wilkinson, Head of Careers at Cullybackey College, said the partnership had opened new opportunities and perspectives for students.

She said:

“Working with Dale Farm has brought new perspectives and opportunities for our students. The real-life business sessions, factory visit, and product support have enriched our curriculum and encouraged pupils to think more broadly about their futures.”

The programme also highlights how partnerships between schools and local employers are increasingly being used to connect classroom learning with practical workplace experience, helping students better understand the opportunities available within their own communities.

For pupils in the Ballymena area, the collaboration has offered direct access to one of Northern Ireland’s leading agri-food businesses while strengthening links between education, industry and community life.