Greenmount Campus open day showcases future careers in horticulture and floristry

Martin Cleary (Rossnowlagh) and Cian Kirwan (Letterkenny) chatted to horticulture Lecturer, Caitriona McCrudden about pathways in horticulture.

Prospective students were recently given a hands-on look at future career opportunities in horticulture and floristry as the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) opened its doors at Greenmount Campus in Antrim.

The open day offered an in-depth insight into the wide range of study pathways available, with staff welcoming visitors to explore facilities and learn more about careers in sectors described as both creative and highly skilled.

Senior lecturers engaged directly with attendees, outlining course options and highlighting CAFRE’s practical, industry-driven approach to learning, before guiding visitors through tailored, subject-focused tours of the campus.

Blossoming careers in floristry

James Crawford, senior lecturer in horticulture discussed study options with attendees at the Open Day.

Those interested in floristry began their experience in the Horticulture Centre, where they observed cut flower production areas and gained an understanding of how raw materials are cultivated.

The group then moved to the Floristry Studio, where a selection of student-created arrangements was on display, offering a glimpse into the creative and technical skills developed on the course.

Floristry lecturers Anne Marie Grant and Sherry Suett provided further detail on the Level 2 and Level 3 programmes, explaining the training, design techniques and assessment requirements involved in completing the courses.

Growing opportunities in horticulture

Rob Mason, Level 2 Apprentice in Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces demonstrated the practical tasks completed whilst studying at CAFRE.

Level 3 in horticulture student Cameron Gilbert (Carrickfergus) showed off his skills in landscaping. Cameron recently received a bronze medal at the UK Worldskills Finals.

Visitors exploring horticulture pathways toured a range of specialist facilities across the campus, beginning with the Sports Turf areas, where staff demonstrated the expertise and modern technology required to maintain high-quality playing surfaces.

The tour continued through the Horticulture Centre, where attendees learned about plant production and environmental management, before moving on to the Walled Garden, a key teaching space used for plant identification, maintenance and garden design.

A live landscaping demonstration delivered by Level 3 horticulture students Cameron Gilbert and Ramona McCloskey provided a practical showcase of the skills being developed through the course.

Wide range of pathways on offer

Hailey Allen (Moneymore) discussed options for studying floristry with CAFRE staff Sherry Suett and Colman Byrne.

CAFRE’s Head of Horticulture Branch, David Dowd, said the event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation of learners and highlight the breadth of opportunities available within the sector.

“We’re delighted to have welcomed prospective students 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, horticulture and floristry offer endless possibilities, in sectors that are evolving rapidly and full of opportunity.

“Our courses give learners the knowledge, confidence and practical experience to step into that future and make a real contribution. 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.”

Attendees of the open day explored the Greenmount Walled Garden facilities.

CAFRE offers floristry courses at Level 2 and Level 3, alongside horticulture programmes ranging from Level 2 through to BSc (Hons) Degree level, with full-time, part-time and apprenticeship routes available.

Further information on courses and applications can be found at www.cafre.ac.uk.

The open day underlined the growing demand for skilled professionals in land-based industries, with Greenmount Campus positioning itself as a key entry point for those looking to build practical, future-focused careers in horticulture and floristry.

Laura and Alfie Sterritt from Tandragee chatted to James Crawford about the opportunities available at CAFRE.

Adam Ferguson shared the benefits of studying horticulture at Greenmount Campus with Lynne and Matthew Paul (Castledawson).

Floristry Lecturer Anne Marie Grant explained practical assessments completed by students at the Open Day.

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At a glance

• CAFRE hosted an open day at Greenmount Campus, Antrim

• Event showcased horticulture and floristry courses

• Visitors received guided tours of key campus facilities

• Floristry students viewed production areas and design work

• Horticulture tours included sports turf, walled garden and landscaping demo

• Courses range from Level 2 to BSc (Hons) Degree level

• Full-time, part-time and apprenticeship routes available

• More information available at www.cafre.ac.uk