Published: Thursday, 25th June, 2009 9:00am

Exciting prospects for equine students

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Equine students came from as far as the Isle of Man to the Enniskillen Campus for specialist courses which will lead them to jobs in the industry, it was revealed this week.

The top student in the final year of the National Diploma in Horse Management was Nicola Carr, from Sulby, Isle of Man while Kyle Doherty from Ballyshannon was placed top of the First Diploma class.

Meanwhile the top Honours Degree student was Laura Jane Martin from Rush, Co. Dublin, who has achieved further success in securing a prestigious internship at the world famous Kentucky Equine Research Centre. The top Foundation Degree student was Ashleigh Miskimmin from Ballywalter, Co. Down.

The results were announced by the head of Enniskillen Campus, Mr. Seamus McAlinney, reporting at his annual awards ceremony. The warm, sunny weather greeted visitors from all over the British Isles for the occasion, which was pencilled in during a busy week for the equine industry - Royal Ascot and Down Royal races.

The guest speaker was Professor Dean Harron, Chairman of the Northern Region of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA). Dean and his colleagues in the ITBA have a long-standing association with Enniskillen Campus. Other guests included Professor Denise McAlister, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), University of Ulster; Frank McGourty, Senior Lecturer and Course Director, Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick as well as representatives of the CAFRE Advisory Group and our newly established Equine Industry Advisory Committee.

Mr. McAlinney told the large gathering of students, parents and friends that at Enniskillen Campus, they aimed to provide top quality learning opportunities which met the needs of the equine and agriculture industries and the wider rural community.

'We offer the widest choice of equine education programmes in Ireland - from one day practical training courses to Honours Degrees. Once again I am delighted to report strong demand for our programmes with over 220 students participating in formal equine courses and a high level of enrolments on part-time agriculture courses. Our student body is drawn from across Ireland and further afield, including Great Britain and Michigan State University in the USA. This is a positive reflection of the high standards of programme development and delivery through Enniskillen Campus.

He siad Enniskillen Campus aims to facilitate students take the important step from college into the world of work and to optimise their employability through providing a well-rounded educational experience.

'Our students gain first class exposure to the equine industry through work placements, study tours, visiting speakers, practical demonstrations and specially tailored events such as our Annual Careers Day. We are deeply indebted to all the industry stakeholders who gave so freely of their time and expertise to help us ensure our provision is relevant to the work-place.

'Even in times of recession the equine sector is exciting and it offers many career opportunities for skilled young people with appropriate qualifications. Our graduates have secured employment in a wide range of disciplines, including competition yards, equine breeding and training, sales and marketing, administration and teaching. Past students work in the North and South of Ireland, Great Britain, mainland Europe and across the globe. Employers comment most favourably on the quality of ex-students and it is edifying to note the number of past students in very good jobs in the equine sector who are already playing their part in driving the industry forward,' he stated.

He reviewed the courses over the year at Enniskillen Campus. A full report will be included in next week"s issue.