Other News In Brief

CAFRE Host Biggest Ever Food Careers Fair

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at Loughry Campus hosted its biggest ever Food Careers Fair providing students with the chance to engage with local employers.

The food industry is changing; the adoption of technology is creating exciting new opportunities for skills and career development and students at CAFRE were keen to explore job vacancies.

The Careers Day opened with students attending a series of talks by industry specialists. Staff were delighted to welcome back to Loughry Campus several college graduates who proved to be inspirational role models when providing insights into their careers to date.

Thirty-five food companies from across the industry filled the Conference Centre. The careers event was attended not only by final year students exploring job opportunities but also students preparing to embark on work placements within food businesses.

On speaking about the Careers Fair Joshua Clarke, National Diploma in Food Technology student said: "It's impressive to see the number of businesses who are actively seeking graduates and offering work placements. Today I have spoken to companies who are offering roles within product innovation, quality, production and packaging - to name a few. When you start a course, you hope there are going to be jobs when you graduate and from talking to company representatives today, I am filled with confidence."

The careers event was a great success and provided students with a real appreciation of how their food qualification can lead to exciting careers in the industry. Thanking the industry representatives for attending the Careers Day,

Teresa McCarney, Acting Head of Food Education at CAFRE said: "Today is about giving students the opportunity to make industry contacts, meet people, network, learn, grow and be inspired. It's about motivating students through their studies to help show that following a career into food is a brilliant choice. Supporting the industry is so vital, especially now, and I applaud the businesses who have taken time out to engage with CAFRE students. I think we have all achieved so much today."

From the wide range of job opportunities available across the food and drink industry, it is easy to see why 94% of CAFRE graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their food course.

If you are considering a career, think food. The industry has a need for qualified talent to fill the workforce gaps. Opportunities exist within production, logistics, processing, technology, packaging to name a few. Careers in food span from the field, the factory, the laboratory, test kitchens and the office. Study food at CAFRE and we'll connect you with a career in food.

Alliance 'Disgusted' At Petrol Bomb Attack In Police In L'Derry

Alliance Councillor Rachael Ferguson has said that she is "disgusted" after petrol bombs were thrown at police in L'Derry.

The officers were attacked during an illegal republican parade in the Creggan area of the city this afternoon (Monday). Councillor Ferguson said it was particularly disappointing to see young people involved in the throwing of missiles and other objects.

She said: "I am disgusted to once again witness attacks on the police in this city. Those carrying out this rioting do not represent the vast majority of people here.

"It is especially depressing to see the involvement of young people in the midst of the rioting. On the day marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, we are seeing many people born after the Agreement out risking their futures. The criminal godfathers will remain faceless in the shadows, teaching the younger generation hate and violence, in what amounts to little other than child abuse and grooming.

"The people of Creggan, Derry-Londonderry and Northern Ireland deserve better than this. My full support goes to the police and local residents, having to face this destruction. Those who want to drag us back to the past will not succeed."

The DUP has called on the Home Secretary Suella Bravermen to urge Government intervention to mitigate against the impact of Passport Office worker strikes.

DUP representative, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, said the passport debacle of last year must not be repeated for travellers this summer.

Carla Lockhart said: "The Government continues to state that travellers must allow up to ten weeks from the receipt of all documentation, to delivery of a new passport.

"However what is unknown is how long it is taking to process receipt of supporting documentation when it arrives at Passport Offices. That is causing anxiety amongst people who have applied in recent days, and are awaiting confirmation that documentation has been processed and the clock has started to tick towards ten weeks.

"Last year we had a debacle around passports, whereby I had constituents who missed holidays due to delays in the process. That was with a full compliment of staff, yet now we have 1000 workers engaged in a five week period of industrial action. It is causing a great deal of concern for anyone with plans made to get away this summer.

"This is not helped by the lack of appointments available for the Fast Track service. This option, albeit more expensive, must be available to ensure people can get their passport if absolutely necessary for urgent travel. Yet these appointments are like hens teeth right now. It is not good enough.

"We must see the Government act to mitigate against this strike. Productive engagement with the unions is necessary if further disruption is to be avoided. A better flow of information is also necessary to ensure the public are fully aware of timescales and processes.

"These are the points I have made to the Home Secretary, and I trust it will prompt action."