“The best experience I’ve ever had”: Co Antrim farmer builds career through CAFRE apprenticeship

Rebecca Mackey, Level 3 Agriculture Apprentice pictured on her home farm in Ballynure.

For Co Antrim farmer Rebecca Mackey, agriculture has always been more than a career choice—it has been a way of life.

Now an Apprentice on the Level 3 Agriculture programme at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Rebecca is combining hands-on farm work with structured academic learning to build a future in the industry she has grown up in.

Raised on her family’s dairy and sheep farm Ballynure, Rebecca took on an active role from an early age, gaining practical experience in livestock care, milking and machinery operation.

After completing her studies at Ballyclare Secondary School, she broadened her horizons by spending two summers working on a dairy farm in New Zealand.

Reflecting on that experience, Rebecca said: “It was the best experience I’ve ever had!”

On her return home, Rebecca was keen to continue developing her skills while remaining fully involved in the day-to-day running of the family farm, with long-term ambitions of taking on a management role. That balance led her to enrol on the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus.

The Apprenticeship allows Rebecca to study one day a week while continuing to work on the farm, where she is responsible for the care of youngstock, daily milking and machinery operation. For her, the ability to learn while earning has been key.

Ellen McClure, CAFRE Lecturer visits Level 3 Agriculture Apprentice Rebecca Mackey at her work.

Rebecca explained:

“The benefit of doing an Apprenticeship is that I can keep working, earn money and still gain a qualification that will support my future career. With this programme, I’m able to go to Greenmount Campus one day a week and spend the rest of the time working on the farm.

“I chose to do an Apprenticeship programme because I find that I learn best when I’m actively practising the things I’m learning about. So far, I have been able to apply several topics covered in class to the farm which has been helpful.

“I would recommend anyone to study this programme at CAFRE as it’s such a friendly and inclusive setting. I’ve only being there four months and already I’ve made great friends! The lecturers are also lovely and make the classes enjoyable and relatable for everyone.”

Rebecca’s experience reflects the wider impact of CAFRE’s Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships in Agriculture, which are designed to equip Apprentices with practical, job-specific knowledge while also developing vital skills such as time management, communication and leadership.

By encouraging Apprentices to take ownership of their work and apply learning directly on farm, the programme supports both individual career development and the long-term sustainability of agricultural businesses.

The benefits are felt not only by Apprentices, but by employers and families working within the sector. Rebecca’s father, Andrew, has seen first-hand the positive impact of her training on the family farm.

He said:

“Having Rebecca on the farm has made life easier, it really takes the pressure off to have an extra set of hands, especially on busier days. It’s great having someone to pass your knowledge on to and watch them grow and improve in their work!”

CAFRE continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of farmers by offering flexible, practical training routes that reflect the realities of modern agriculture.

For Apprentices like Rebecca Mackey, the programme is not just about gaining a qualification, but about building confidence, capability and a clear path for the future.

For more information about Apprenticeship training at CAFRE, or to book a place at an upcoming Open Day, visit www.cafre.ac.uk.