THE College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at Enniskillen Campus held a ceremony on Friday, October 18th, 2024, to celebrate the achievements of its Further Education Equine students.

Proud family, friends and invited guests gathered to celebrate students receiving full-time Level 2 Technical Certificates in Equine Care and Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diplomas in Equine Management.

During the ceremony, the achievements of part-time learners on Level 2 and Level 3 programmes were celebrated. Several notable achievements were recognised including those of students continuing their education on higher level degree courses.

In his speech, Dr Eric Long, CAFRE, Head of Education, acknowledged the significance of CAFRE’s strong equine industry links, which contribute to CAFRE’s education and knowledge transfer provision. Dr Long recorded his thanks to all those within the equine industry, with whom CAFRE has developed strong partnerships.

Jack Johnson (Belfast) celebrated the achievement of a Level 2 Apprenticeship in the Equine Industry with his parents Martin Johnson and Tina Smiley, at the Further Education Awards Ceremony at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus \ CAFRE

Top students

In her address, Shelley Stuart congratulated all students, drawing particular attention to top students on the full-time courses.

Emma Brow (Hillsborough) achieved a Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management and was awarded four prizes at the ceremony. Michelle-Claudia Rovinaru (Virginia), as the top student on the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Equine Care, received two prizes at the Awards Ceremony.

Grainne Flavin, from Bennett’s Equestrian inspired her audience as Guest Speaker at the ceremony. Grainne talked about the importance of education, the success of Irish horses at the highest levels and the talent and the opportunities within the Irish equine industry.

She stressed the value of having self-confidence and emphasised the importance of being kind to oneself, to others and to the animals in our care.

Students who complete Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications have demonstrated their ability to develop their knowledge and practical skills to enable them to progress in employment in the equine sector. Level 3 full-time students may have the option to consider continuing to study on a Foundation or Honours Degree course also available at CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus.