ZINE
10/23
DECEMBER .
ZINE
. Monthly Review . Competition Upcoming Events . Who’s Who . Staff Changes
Monthly Achievements
01
“
You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
”
- Oprah Winfrey
ZINE
02
SRC Retains ‘Best in UK’ Title at WorldSkills UK for Second Consecutive Year Southern Regional College topped the leaderboard for the second consecutive year at the WorldSkills UK competition. The College not only managed to secure the highest medal haul, but also secured the highest number of points! SRC students competed across multiple venues in the Greater Manchester area, with results being announced during a glittering awards ceremony held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, hosted by presenter Edith Bowman.
Conor McDonnell received a bronze medal in electrical installation Students completed months of intensive training prior to the event, taking on additional study and practice sessions under the guidance of the College’s committed lecturing staff. Their commitment and dedication to the competition has been rewarded with an amazing medal tally at this year’s competition. Students showcased their technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills, to excel in their chosen field.
SRC student competitors brought home an outstanding twelve medals; five gold, three silver and four bronze. Following these outstanding results, the College is able to lead with the title “Best in the UK” for the second consecutive year. WorldSkills UK is a partnership between education providers, industry and the UK government to champion skill sets and raise industry standards. The competition celebrates the best of young talent and even provides young people with the opportunity to progress to European and WorldSkills competition series.
Lindsay Bronte, Organisation Manager commented: “What an unbelievable performance by team SRC that follows months of hard work and dedication by the students and staff alike. I applaud students and staff for their commitment to excellence. Competing is a fantastic achievement for the students, but to see our team return home with 12 medals and be recognised at UK level for their skills and dedication is incredible. Well done to all involved.”
Annabelle Hughes received a bronze medal in the area of Culinary Arts
For the full medal reveal click here
03
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO commented: “I am thrilled to announce that Southern Regional College, for the second year running, has soared to the top of the WorldSkills UK leader board, both for the number of points achieved and for the number of medals achieved. This is a testament to the unparalleled dedication and exceptional talents of our students and staff. Through their relentless pursuit of excellence, Team SRC has not only secured the top spot but also earned the highest number of medals. This outstanding achievement reflects the transformative learning environment at Southern Regional College, where innovation, skills development, and teaching excellence converge to shape the employees, leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. As an entire college community, we take pride in this momentous accomplishment, celebrating the hard work and commitment of everyone who studies and works at Southern Regional College”.
Creating Future Chefs: Secondary School Pupils Feel the Heat in the Kitchen Alisha Sibanda, Newry High School
Our Newry campus hosted the local heat for Springboard’s FutureChef competition which saw four students from local schools compete to represent their county at the Northern Ireland finals in February 2024. The competition involved each student creating a main course under 60 minutes using a budget of £5 but this didn’t stop the students producing fantastic dishes despite the competition pressures. The four students who competed to win a place at the Northern Ireland finals included: Lubo Mulkerns, St Paul’s High School; Alisha Sibanda, Newry High School; Sarah Moore, Banbridge Academy; and Beth Morrow, Banbridge Academy.
Lubo Mulkerns, St Paul’s High School
The judging panel included: Darragh Dooley, Executive Head Chef at Killeavy Castle Estate; John Clark, Head Chef at Slieve Donard; Geoff Baird, Executive Development Chef for Henderson Foodservice and Ciaran Sansome, Head Chef at the Seagoe Hotel. All four judges remarked on the exceptional talent and they had the difficult decision of choosing the winning dish from an impressive selection! Special congratulations to Lubo Mulkerns from St Paul’s High School who was crowned the winner for his winning dish of Pulled Smoked Taco Chicken, Coriander Salsa, Asian Slaw, and Homemade Yogurt Flatbreads! Lubo will now compete in the Northern Ireland Finals on Wednesday 7th February 2024 at Belfast Metropolitan College.
Beth Morrow, Banbridge Academy
Well done to all four competitors. Each student was fantastic and presented wonderful dishes under time constraints We may have found some future local chefs!
Sarah Moore, Banbridge Academy
04
Medals for SRC Students at SkillBuild National Finals After more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats, 3 construction students from Southern Regional College have been named as medallists at this year’s SkillBuild National Final 2023 including Jacqui Hawthorne (Painting & Decorating), Patryk Niedoba (Wall & Floor Tiling) and Josh McBride (Plastering). Students travelled to Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes and were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tested the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure within strict timelines. All whilst adhering to health and safety protocols. Well done to all involved! Northern Ireland’s 2023 competitors at the SkillBuild National Finals including 6 SRC students
Click here for all SRC’s SkillBuild Medals
SRC Student Micheál McCloy Honored at Cordelia’s Foundation Awards! SRC is thrilled that Micheál McCloy, a student at our Newry campus, received an individual award at the Cordelia’s Foundation County Armagh People of the Year Awards held at the Armagh City Hotel. Micheál was recognised for representing Ireland in their first ever Futsal Team at the SUDS European Championship. Thank you to everyone who voted for Micheál! He has done us proud!
Micheál receiving his award from Natalie Barton
Micheál attending the Cordelia’s Foundation County Armagh People of the Year Awards at the Armagh City Hotel.
05
ZINE
First SRC Recipients of NI Traineeships Recognised at Stormont Event Congratulations to four of our students who were among the first trainees in Northern Ireland to complete the NI Traineeship vocational qualification!
They were recognised at a special event in Stormont, where they met with DfE officials and shared their experiences. Traineeships are a great way to gain a work-based qualification and skills that employers value.
Click here to read more about this event and the traineeship programme Pictured at the NI Traineeship ceremony is SRC students together with DfE and SRC officials. Back Row: Jay Dunn, Otas Vysniauskas Front Row: Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of SRC; Clement Athanasiou, Head of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocations Education at the DfE; Cara Coleman, SRC student; Miceal Ferris, SRC student; Louise Watson, Director of Further Education, DfE; Libby Shackels, Director of Curriculum at SRC.
Level 3 Health & Social Care Students Host Coffee and Crafts Morning Earlier this month, our Level 3 Health and Social Care students held a coffee and crafts morning at the Newry Model campus as part of their project based learning unit. This was funded through the Public Health Agency and Linking Generations Northern Ireland, an organisation set up to inspire and support the growth of an age-friendly society through connecting older and younger people. Students invited local community groups such as the Sunshine Club and U3A to attend the event and the feedback received from participants was fantastic! Well done to all involved!
ZINE
06
Global Entrepreneurship Week The Project Based Learning team created a series of short interviews as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Staff members, Lynne Ervine and Marie McArdle attended the ScaleX Summit in Belfast along with colleagues from the six Colleges in the sector Entrepreneurship Hub.
This was a fantastic opportunity to hear from speakers such as Stephen Bartlett, entrepreneur, podcaster and author of ‘The Diary of a CEO’ and Professor Damien Hughes, international speaker and bestselling author. The sessions provided interactive and engaging content focusing on high performing teams, visionary leaders and scaling and investment!
Gold Medal Glory for Mykenzie Cartmill Mykenzie began her journey with us as an SPP student, progressing to attain her Level 2 in Beauty. After successfully completing the Level 2, Mykenzie entered the intercampus competitions, sparking her passion for competitions. Despite the challenges of lockdown, Mykenzie successfully completed the Level 3 in Beauty Therapy before venturing into Hair & Media Makeup where she was a model for a fellow WorldSkills competitor, igniting her own competition aspirations. Mykenzie’s hard work and dedication earned her a silver medal in Beauty Therapy at the WorldSkills competition, fuelling her determination for the gold medal the following year.
Pictured is Beauty Therapy Lecturer Marie-Louise Devlin and Helen Hughes, Curriculum Area Manager for Professional Services presenting a trophy in memory of the late Carla McVeigh Kirwan, who studied Beauty Therapy at SRC to Mykenzie for all her outstanding achievements!
True to her word, Mykenzie secured the gold in this year’s Level 3 Beauty Practitioner competition! Her unwavering commitment to training and hard work shines through. In the upcoming new year, Mykenzie will embark on her professional journey alongside another WorldSkills medal winner, Kirsty Frazer, owner of Belle Beauty salon in Armagh. Earlier this year, the College was honoured to receive a trophy in memory of the late Carla McVeigh Kirwan, who studied Beauty Therapy at SRC. This trophy was proudly awarded to Mykenzie for all her outstanding achievements! The staff at SRC are extremely proud!
07
Newry Chamber President’s Banquet 2023
Staff from various departments attended the 2023 Newry Chamber President’s Banquet at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry Southern Regional College were delighted to attend the annual Newry Chamber President’s Banquet hosted at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa.
Over 200 guests were in attendance at the event which focused on “Celebrating Growth - Building Prosperity.
Last month’s winner! Congratulations to Denise Cornett who is the winner of the luxury Christmas pudding, courtesy of the Hospitality Department. The Marketing team will be in touch in regards to your prize.
ZINE
08
Check Out These Courses!
09
Upskill and Gain a Level 5 or Level 6 Qualification! Higher Level Apprenticeship applications are OPEN for September 2024 intake! Courses on offer include: • Accounting • Applied Science • Computing • Construction • Digital Marketing • Engineering • Fintech • Hospitality • Sport
The Business Support & Innovation Team are running Wednesday Webcasts until March 2024. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to learn from our industry innovation experts on a wide range of topics to include digital, tourism, food, engineering, IT/eCommerce, and more! These webcasts are a valuable resource for those interested in staying updated with industry trends and innovations.
Click to find out more!
10
Upcoming Events Date
Campus
Event Name
Location
Time
Section
12th Dec 23
Armagh
SRC Music Event- Snow Show
ARM-2-02
1:00pm-2:00pm
CDAC
6th Feb 24
Greenbank
Intercampus Skillbuild
Greenbank Campus
TBC
BUTE
6th Feb 24
Newry West
Big Apprenticeship Event
Ground Floor
5:30pm-7:30pm
BSI
8th Feb 24
N/A
Big Apprenticeship Event
Craigavon Civic Centre
5:30pm-7:30pm
BSI
5th Mar 24
Portadown
March Open Day
Portadown Campus
5:00pm-7:00pm
MCR
6th Mar 24
Newry West & East
March Open Day
Newry West & East Campuses
5:00pm-7:00pm
MCR
7th Mar 24
Portadown
SPP Coffee Morning
Conference Centre/ Bistro
10:00am-12:15pm
PRSE
12th Mar 24
Armagh
March Open Day
Armagh Campus
5:00pm-7:00pm
MCR
13th Mar 24
Lurgan
March Open Day
Lurgan Campus
5:00pm-7:00pm
MCR
14th Mar 24
Banbridge
March Open Day
Banbridge Campus
5:00pm-7:00pm
MCR
2nd May 24
Armagh
SRC Performing Arts Variety Show
ARM-2-02
11:00am-12:30pm & 7:00pm-8:30pm
CDAC
15th May 24
N/A
SRC Music Dept Showcase
Market Place Theatre, Armagh
7:00pm-9:30pm
CDAC
16th May 24
N/A
SRC Performing Arts: The Final Curtain Call
Market Place Theatre, Armagh
7:00pm-8:30pm
CDAC
21st May 24
Banbridge
Childcare Conference- Full STEAM ahead
Foyer & Lecture Theatre
5:30pm- 8:30pm
HESC
24th Aug 24
Armagh, Newry West & Portadown
August Open Campus Event
College Campuses
TBC
MCR
11
Who’s Who
15 12
Staff Changes Role Changes or New Starts Name Lorraine Abbott Jonathan Aston Orlaith Byrne Karen Cosgrave Janet English Powell Catherine Kerwick Sarah King Gary Lutton Chloe Marshall Abbie McClenaghan Aideen McConville Shane McNabb Julieanne McSorley Kyle Nelson Eva O’Gorman Stephen Quinn Caitriona Quinn Ruairi Taylor
Contract Permanent Temporary Temporary Temporary Temporary Permanent Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent Temporary
Description Learning Support Manager IT Student Placement Lecturer - Biology Senior Estates Technician Monitoring and Placement Officer Senior MIS Officer Student Engagement Officer PT Lecturer - Music Learning Support Manager Skills Training Administrator Student Engagement Officer PT Lecturer - Electrical Lecturer - Engineering IT Student Placement Skills Training Administrator PT Lecturer - Music Learning Support Manager PT Lecturer -Light Vehicle Repair
Location Armagh Portadown Armagh Newry Newry Portadown Newry Armagh Banbridge Newry Armagh Newry Portadown Newry Newry Armagh Newry Newry
Department Learning Support ICT Computing Design & Academic Studies Estates Skills Training MIS Learning Support Computing Design & Academic Studies Learning Support Skills Training Learning Support Building Technology & Engineering Building Technology & Engineering ICT Skills Training Computing Design & Academic Studies Learning Support Building Technology & Engineering
Staff Changes Leavers Caitlin Cassidy Alex Graham David Magee Danielle Murphy Debra Toner
Permanent Temporary Permanent Permanent Permanent
Learning Support Assistant Call Centre Agent Learning Support Assistant Monitoring & Placement Officer Monitoring Placement Officer
ZINE
Armagh Newry Portadown Newry Newry
Learning Support Campus Services Learning Support Skills Training Skills Training
Please forward all stories you would like to appear in the SRCzine to:
24 13
ZINE
marketing@src.ac.uk 028 3025 9695 Next Issue Out: February 2024