The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will host an open day at Greenmount Campus in Antrim on Wednesday 7 October 2026. The event will feature information on horticulture, floristry, and veterinary nursing programmes.

For horticulture and floristry, guided tours are scheduled for 10.30am and 6pm. Visitors can see the Horticulture Centre, Floristry Studio, sports turf facilities, and the ornamental Walled Garden. Staff will explain course options, progression routes, and careers in plant production, landscaping, environmental management, and sports turf management.

The college offers qualifications from Level 2 and Level 3 full-time and apprenticeship programmes up to Ulster University-validated foundation and honours degrees, available part-time or full-time. Current students will discuss their experiences and work placement opportunities. Floristry visitors can view student work and meet lecturers, learning about careers in floral design, event floristry, and the floriculture industry.

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 stated the open day is an opportunity to explore courses and facilities, meet staff and students, and learn about study pathways.

For veterinary nursing, tours will run at 12pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Prospective students can meet Senior Lecturer Claire Morris and other teaching staff. Veterinary nursing students will guide tours of the teaching facilities, including specialist laboratories and clinical training areas. Practical demonstrations will cover animal handling, anaesthesia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and radiography.

CAFRE offers a Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support and a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. These courses combine study with work in a veterinary practice.

Prospective students and parents can register for the open day at www.cafre.ac.uk.