Thinking about a career in horticulture or floristry? Greenmount Open Day is coming up
Horticulture students Charley Benson (Lisburn), Ramona McCluskey (Ballymena) and Barry Wheeler (Antrim) encourage prospective students to explore Greenmount Campus facilities at the upcoming Open Day
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Greenmount Campus in Antrim is opening its doors next month to prospective students interested in careers ranging from landscaping and plant production to sports turf management and floristry.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will hold its Horticulture and Floristry Open Day on Wednesday 7 October, with guided tours beginning at 10.30am and 6pm.
The event is aimed at school leavers, people considering a career change and those looking to develop new skills, with prospective students and parents invited to explore the courses, facilities and career pathways available.
Inside Greenmount Campus
Visitors will be able to tour specialist facilities including the Horticulture Centre, Floristry Studio, sports turf facilities and Greenmount’s ornamental Walled Garden.
CAFRE staff will explain the different study options and progression routes, alongside potential careers in plant production, landscaping, environmental management and sports turf management.
Qualifications range from Level 2 and Level 3 full-time and apprenticeship programmes to part-time and full-time Foundation and Honours Degree courses validated by Ulster University.
Students share their experience
Current students will also be available to discuss life at Greenmount, including their experiences of studying at the campus and the work placement opportunities available through their courses.
Those considering floristry can find out about CAFRE’s Level 2 and Level 3 programmes, view student work and meet lecturers. The courses develop creative, technical and practical skills for careers including floral design, event floristry and the wider floriculture industry.
Industry worth £1.4 billion
David Dowd, Head of Horticulture Branch at CAFRE, said the horticulture industry in Northern Ireland is worth £1.4 billion and employs 22,400 people.
He said:
“Our Horticulture and Floristry Open Day is the ideal opportunity for anyone considering a career in the sector to explore the courses and facilities available at CAFRE. Visitors will be able to meet our dedicated staff and students, learn about the different study pathways on offer and gain valuable insight into the exciting career opportunities within these industries.
“Our courses are designed to provide students with the practical skills, technical knowledge and industry experience needed to succeed. We look forward to welcoming visitors to campus and helping them take the first step towards a rewarding future in horticulture or floristry.”
How to attend the Open Day
Adam Ferguson (Senior Lecturer) discusses Horticulture and Floristry course opportunities with prospective students and parents during a previous Greenmount Campus Open Day.
The Horticulture and Floristry Open Day takes place at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus in Antrim on Wednesday 7 October 2026, with guided tours at 10.30am and 6pm.
Prospective students and parents are encouraged to register in advance at www.cafre.ac.uk, giving anyone considering the sector an opportunity to see the facilities, speak directly with staff and students, and explore which study route could suit their future plans.
