During the Opportunities in Horticulture & Floristry event students at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)'s Greenmount Campus were given an insight into the diverse range of opportunities within their sector.
Industry professionals shared their career journeys, knowledge and encouragements for students preparing to enter the sector.
The event was opened by Craig Alcorn (Alcorn Garden Centre) and Clara Agnew (Clara Agnew Floristry). Clara highlighted her participation in the UK Skills competition as a Floristry student at CAFRE. "It opened doors I didn't know existed and gave me a huge confidence boost," she said. Now a board member of the Institute of Flowers, she urged students to embrace challenges: "Not all things work out how you expect, but that's not a bad thing. All roads lead to opportunities."
Craig outlined developments within Alcorn Garden Centre in Letterkenny, which includes a production nursery, garden centre, flower shop, and tropical world attraction. He discussed his focus on modernising operations through new technologies, peat reduction, sustainable energy, and expansion into sports turf services.
© Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
CAFRE Horticulture Adviser Aleana Cairns reflected on her pathway and shared her experience of attending the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School, which reinforced her passion for plant pathology. She spoke about her placement and graduate roles, which included crop trials for cereals, potatoes and root vegetables, and research into peat‑free alternatives for mushroom cultivation. Now, Aleana supports growers to enhance production and sustainability. Her message to students was clear: "Take advantage of opportunities - you never know where they will lead."
Students heard remotely from John Beardmore, Program Coordinator of the Ohio International Intern Program, and Bill Winchell, Production Manager at Raker Roberta's Young Plants in Michigan. They outlined opportunities available to CAFRE students and the benefits of completing an internship in the United States, including global industry exposure, professional development, and the chance to build an international network.
Will Armitage, President of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), introduced students to the benefits of HTA membership and emphasised the association's role in supporting, promoting, and sustaining the industry. He encouraged them to take advantage of the training available. Will also emphasised the importance of building strong personal networks: "People and contacts are everything in this industry."
The final guest speaker, Jill Peterson, Head of Creative Development at Memento, Belfast. Shared insights from her international floristry career in destinations such as Hong Kong, Bora Bora and London and described herself as a "passionate advocate for the industry." Jill emphasised the importance of promoting sustainability in floristry, including reducing waste, using local growers, and educating customers -an approach that aligns closely with Memento's ethos of "unapologetic creativity and flowers with personality."
The morning concluded with a panel of current CAFRE students who have excelled in competitions and development activities.
Luke Donald (FdSc Horticulture) and Cameron Gilbert (Level 3 Horticulture) discussed winning silver and bronze at the 2025 UK Skills Landscaping Competition. Cameron noted the importance of planning, time management and problem‑solving: "Competing was a great experience and gave me insight into the role I want to pursue - I love the practical side of horticulture."
Suzie McMullan (Level 3 Floristry), reflected on her journey to the final of the British Florist Association's Young Florist of the Year competition. Her message to peers was: "Don't sell yourself short -don't leave yourself with 'what ifs'. Break out of your comfort zone."
Helen Black (BSc (Hons) Horticulture) described attending a Plant Health Conference at Kew Gardens through a Merlin Trust travel bursary. Helen encouraged students to apply for similar funding, reminding them that "these opportunities are there to support your development."
Dr. Eric Long, Head of Education, closed the event by thanking all speakers, organisers, and student contributors. He echoed the overarching theme of the morning: "embrace new experiences, pursue opportunities, and be willing to travel and learn."
Source: Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
