FINTAN MCCANN, LOUGHRY CAMPUS, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL ENTERPRISE

The annual Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) applicants evening has been held at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown.

This was welcomed by school leavers and parents, who expressed an interest in a career in the food industry giving them the opportunity to speak with past and current Loughry students.

The event aimed to inform students about the wide range of rewarding careers available in the food sector and to assist in the financial planning that is now so important to anyone wishing to attend college or university.

Geoff Lamb, a supporter of the food courses at Loughry is Northern Ireland Operations Manager for Improve Ltd and Business Development Manager for the Food and Drink Training Council.

Geoff gave a global overview of the challenges in the sector and the opportunities that exist for motivated individuals with a food related qualification and commented, "at a time when economists are forecasting tough times ahead, the food industry continues to be a major employer in the local and global context.

The pressure to reduce carbon footprints and energy costs will, in my view, lead to more focussed sourcing, including increased local levels which in turn will require graduates who are at the forefront of development and technical competence".

Fintan McCann, the programme manager for Food Foundation Degrees at Loughry continued, "Loughry graduates are being snapped up by both local and international employers. Almost all of last year's Loughry graduates had the luxury of having job offers prior to completing their studies and in some cases individuals had their pick of jobs.

Due to the shortage of graduates in this sector, starting salaries can start from as high as £20,000 a year with excellent career progression opportunities for the right person".

Loughry's Foundation and Honours Degree programmes aim to develop the skills and competences required by individuals to take on jobs such as product development technologist, logistics coordinators, quality and safety auditors or even progress into research or consultancy.

Students can still apply to the Honours Degree and Foundation Degree programmes through UCAS and if you would like further information about the courses at Loughry Campus, please contact us on Freephone: 080 0028 4291 or visit our website: www.cafre.ac.uk