CAFRE Announces Series Of Degree Course Open Days

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has announced a series of new Open Days, to highlight the range of degree courses on offer.

Course specific Open Days will be held from Saturday 07 until Friday 13 October.

The Open Days coincide with UCAS form filling and the opening of CAFRE's Further Education application portal. Apply early to be considered for a Level 2 or Level 3 course in Agriculture, Equine, Floristry, Food, Horticulture, Land-based Engineering or Veterinary Nursing starting September 2024.

With the College's reputation as the main provider of agri-food education and training in Northern Ireland, CAFRE graduates are making a real difference within the agri-food and land-based industries. So, if you are thinking college… discover CAFRE.

£485,000 Investment In Carrickfergus, Ballymena And Larne Town Centres

Funding of £485,000 has been announced for the revitalisation of Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Larne town centres.

The Department for Communities has announced an investment of £436,000 to Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to deliver the scheme, with £48,500 also invested by the Council.

Welcoming the news, Director of Regional Development at Department for Communities (DfC) Gerard Murray said: "This £485k investment is a welcome boost for the town centres, benefitting commercial properties and enhancing the shopping areas of these busy towns. The Council has developed a comprehensive programme of initiatives, aimed at supporting the long-term economic viability of Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. In line with DfC's regeneration policy, these planned improvements will benefit traders, visitors and those living in the three town centres. I look forward to their rollout across the towns."

New EOS IT Solutions Assured Skills Academy

The Department for the Economy has announced a new Assured Skills Academy delivered by Southern Regional College for Co Down company EOS IT Solutions.

Funded by the Department, successful applicants to the Academy will receive six weeks of pre-employment training at SRC’s Banbridge campus.

The Academy will focus on Business Operations Skills and deliver training in skills areas including inside sales, procurement, order management, customs, logistics, project management and trade compliance. Participants who complete the Academy will be guaranteed an interview for a role with EOS IT Solutions.

Highlighting the opportunity, DfE’s Director of Skills Graeme Wilkinson said: "The Department is pleased to be able to fund these 20 high quality training places at Southern Regional College for roles with EOS. Training will be provided in a range of skills areas that are in-demand and which will greatly enhance the employability of participants in the Academy.

"Assured Skills Academies have a strong track record of delivering high quality training to participants as well as providing employers with the talented and skilled people they need to grow and boost their competitiveness.

"I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply."

Applicants must be over 18, eligible to work in the UK and hold a Level 5 qualification (HND or foundation degree) or above in any discipline, or have work experience in customs and logistics, procurement, sales or project management.

Raymond Sloan, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "Southern Regional College has a strong track record of working with businesses to improve their competitiveness. We are delighted to be involved in this Assured Skills Academy with EOS IT Solutions, and we look forward to welcoming the successful applicants onto their training."

Anna McSorley, Head of People at EOS IT Solutions, said: "We are thrilled to announce that we have received support from the Department to offer 20 first-class training positions through the Assured Skills Academy. Upon completion, there is the potential for successful candidates to join our ever growing global team.

"EOS IT Solutions is a growing family-run global technology and logistics company, providing collaboration and business IT support services to some of the world’s largest industry leaders, in 195 countries across the globe. Our headquarters are in Banbridge, and we're proud to provide this academy as a platform for local talent to gain global exposure and take their first step towards a career in the tech industry."

Applications will close on 27 October 2023. Interviews will be held 14-16 November with training commencing for successful applicants on 4 December 2023.