Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry is opening doors to fresh talent in September 2026. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), in partnership with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) have announced that applicants can now apply for the Food and Drink Academy.
Training takes place at Loughry Campus, Cookstown in conjunction with numerous Northern Ireland food businesses.
The Food and Drink Academy is a ‘study first’ apprenticeship programme designed for school leavers who want to combine study with real-world food and drink industry experience.
Students will spend their first year on campus at Loughry building an academic foundation. They then progress into three years of blended study and work, gaining hands-on training with food and drink companies.
On completion of the programme, successful participants graduate with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University.
Employed
Learners on the Food and Drink Academy are employed from day one, receiving a salary of £22,000 (about €25,000) per annum while completing their studies at Loughry Campus.
They will build industry connections and develop their transferable skills with local employers.
On completion of the four-year programme, students will graduate with a degree and have four years of professional experience.
Several food and drink businesses are partnering with CAFRE and NIFDA in the Food and Drink Academy.
Job opportunities are available from September 2026 with: Avondale Foods; Deli Lites; Dunbia, Foyle Food Group; Kerry Dairy Ireland; Leprino; McColgan’s; Mackle Petfoods; Pilgrims Europe; Strathroy Diaries; and Wafer Ltd.
According to a statement from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: “The Food and Drink Academy is more than a degree – it is a launchpad into one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic industries.
“With opportunities to study, earn, and grow, this is the perfect choice for ambitious young people ready to take their next step after school.”
