CAFRE’s Horticulture Careers Forum was the ideal opportunity for students to meet a great range of potential employers and find out more about career options within today’s horticulture industry.
The morning session kicked off with a series of short talks that emphasised the diversity of opportunity within horticulture. Garden Retail Consultant, Kevin Waters, began with opportunities in the garden retail sector, followed by Garden Designer, Neville Mooney, who spoke on his busy schedule in the Greens Department in television and film. Tony Wiseman, Estate Manager for Camphill Community, then told students something of the challenges of estate management in a special needs environment. This was followed by CAFRE’s Johnston Shaw, who highlighted the recent Extended Diploma in Horticulture students’ success as part of the Landscaping Squad UK, and how it has developed their skills and employability. Finally, Joe Henderson whetted the students’ appetite for work experience abroad with an outline of CAFRE’s links with placement providers in other European countries and further afield.
Students were then invited to meet with prospective employers in the relaxed environment of the College’s Cybercafe. Industry representatives included the Head Gardeners from the National Trust’ Rowallane Garden and Ballyedmund private estate garden, Antrim Council, Mid Ulster Garden Centre, the Garden and Landscape Designers Association, Clarke Cunningham Tree Surgery, retailers such as Homebase, the Northern Ireland Flower & Foliage Association growers group, and horticulture therapy organisations including Reconnect, who work to rehabilitate those with brain injuries.
After lunch students had the opportunity to see the very best of what’s on offer from local growers at the annual GrowersNI Plant Fair in the Sports Hall below. With over 20 nurseries represented, there were plenty of opportunities to make new contacts and identify new lines for inclusion in design projects.
