“ When you think you can’t move forward, take a look back and see just how far you have already come
”
- Bev James
SRC Lecturers Named as Finalists for IT Further Education Educator of the Year
SRC lecturers Kenneth Milligan and Sharon Fitzpatrick who were finalists in the prestigious ‘IT Further Education Educator of the Year Awards’, pictured alongside fellow SRC staff members. Pictured (L-R) is Stephen Herron, Stephen Rogan, Kenneth Milligan, Sharon Fitzpatrick and Marie McArdle.
Two of our outstanding lecturers, Kenneth Milligan and Sharon Fitzpatrick have finished in the top three, for the prestigious ‘IT Further Education Educator of the Year Awards’ by the British Computer Society Northern Ireland! These awards recognise and celebrate those educators who consistently innovate, challenge and embrace technology to inspire and support young people to drive computing and digital education within schools and Colleges.
The review panel were significantly impressed with both educators adding that ‘SRC was the only College to have two award winners’ and this being the first time two lecturers from the same college were top 3 finalists.
A huge congratulations to Kenneth and Sharon on this well-deserved recognition!
Butchery Apprentice Ebony to compete at World Butchers’ Championship
Food Management and Butchery apprentice Ebony Murtagh from Portadown will travel to the culinary capital of Paris, France next March to compete within the iconic World Champion Butcher Apprentice and Young Butcher competition, running alongside the World Butchers’ Challenge from 30th-31st March 2025. Ebony will take centre stage amongst young butchers from across the globe at Paris’ Expo Porte de Versailles, a venue which featured at the recent 2024 Olympic Games, and will battle it out for the pinnacle title of the World’s Best Apprentice Butcher. Good luck Ebony!
Winner of the local FutureChef competition Lubo Mulkerns alongside Geoff Baird, Executive Development Chef for Henderson Foodservice
Readthe full storyhere
Aspiring Chef and Schoolboy Lubo to Compete in FutureChef Regional Finals
The College recently held the Springboard FutureChef Competition, bringing students culinary skills to the forefront! The competition challenged participants to design, prepare, and cook a delicious main course for two within a £5 budget and just one hour, putting their creativity and time management to the test. Lubo Mulkerns from St. Paul's High School Bessbrook emerged as the overall champion with his impressive dish: Chicken Roulade with Walnut Stuffing & Redcurrant Jus, accompanied by Butternut Squash Risotto and Seasonal Vegetables. Congratulations to Lubo on winning the regional heat! He will now move forward to the regional final of FutureChef, held in Belfast Met early next year.
Pictured is Ebony Murtagh, who will represent Team Ireland at next year’s World Butchers’ Competition
SRC Celebrates Medal Success at WorldSkills UK Finals
After four intense days of competition at the 2024 WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester and Greater Manchester, students from Southern Regional College showcased their exceptional skills and determination, earning 10 medals and securing an impressive second place on the WorldSkills UK leaderboard. The College topped the leaderboard for all Northern Ireland colleges and ranked second overall among all UK colleges. Our students achieved remarkable success, bringing home 2 bronze, 4 silver, and 4 gold medals. This accomplishment highlights not only their hard work but also the outstanding support and guidance of our dedicated staff.
Let’s take a moment to congratulate these exceptional individuals for their remarkable achievements!
Pictured (L-R) is Caolan McCartan and Patrick Sheerin who took the gold medal in the Industry 4.0 category at the 2024 WorldSkills UK final
Annabelle Hughes who secured the gold medal in Culinary Arts
Ruth Douglas who secured the gold medal in the Laboratory Technician category at WorldSkills UK
Supporting our Local Community & SRC Students 2024/25
As demand for foodbanks continues to increase, supporting this incentive is vital to ensure everyone has access to a meal this Christmas.
Staff are encouraged to contribute to the College’s Foodbank and Toy Appeal, with all donations going to those in need within the local community or directly to our own students.
Foodbank donation boxes can be found at all campus receptions. For those interested in contributing to the Toy Appeal, please reach out to Jason Brennan, Student Engagement Manager.
Campus Foodbanks & Toy Appeal
Everyone should have the basic right to a meal and gift at Christmas
Foodbank: Foodbanks at Campus Services: items requested: Tinned foods, perishable foods, toiletries, nappies & wipes,hygiene products, socks, hats, gloves.
Toy Appeal: The Toy Appeal aims to assist families struggling financially. Contact Jason Brennan LS, for information.
Volunteering Hours: Sharing your volunteering experiences promotes this gift of giving. Email OD od@src.ac.uk your story and timecommitted to your community.
13th November to 6th December
What’s New For Project Based Learning!
Scan the staff QR code to sign up & stay updated!
Q: How many “la’s” are in the song “Deck the Hall”? 1.45 2.96 3.122
Send your answer to marketing@src.ac.uk to be in with a chance of winning a luxury Christmas pudding, courtesy of the Hospitality Department.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Productivity Booster
This initiative is designed to help SMEs embrace learning and upskilling opportunities, complemented by tailored mentoring to enhance workplace productivity. Key focus areas for boosting productivity include leadership and management, project planning, communication, creativity, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and automation.
Skill Up With SRC!
SRC is offering a range of fully funded Skill Up courses, providing the opportunity to reskill or upskill across various subject areas like Childcare, Digital Skills and Advanced Manufacturing.
Higher-Level Apprenticeship Applications Now Open!
Higher-Level Apprenticeships are ideal for those looking to upskill, change career paths, or gain industry-specific experience. Applications have re-opened for Higher-Level Apprenticeships, including the new Business & Enterprise course offered at both Armagh and Newry campuses. Spread the word, applications are now open!
FindOut More
Innovate With Us!
Pictured are the eight students who have commenced the Legal Administration Collaborative Assured Skills Academy at SRC, accompanied by staff members.
Kickstarting Careers: Legal Administration Academy Launches!
Earlier this month, participants began the 10-week Legal Administration Collaborative Assured Skills Academy, a program fully funded by the Department for the Economy. As part of this academy, participants are pursuing an OCN NI Level 3 Certificate in Business Administration Skills tailored to the legal industry, with the added advantage of a guaranteed interview with a local employer upon completion. We extend our best wishes to our Academy students as they embark on this fantastic opportunity!
Upcoming Events
Who’s Who
Wendy Chapman
Examinations
Officer
Armagh
Campus
What enticed you to be an Examinations Officer?
I have worked in SRC for over 10 years, and I enjoy working as part of a team, engaging with different stakeholders and supporting colleagues and students to ensure the smooth running of exams. No two days are the same and every day is a learning day.
What is the most fulfilling part of your role?
Working as part of a team to provide guidance and support to all students, ensuring they have the necessary resources needed to succeed.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I am a Westlife fan!
What’s the last book/movie you read/watched?
Home Alone 2- Lost in New York
Best piece of advice you have received?
Be kind and never expect more than you are willing to give
If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
Oprah Winfrey. She is one powerful woman.
Staff Changes
Role Changes or New Starts
Name Contract Description
Emma Barnard Permanent Lecturer in Science
Bronagh Boyle Temporary Organisational Development Manager
Health & Science
Human Resources and Development
Wendy Chapman Permanent Exams Administrator Armagh Examinations
Stephen Dalzell Permanent IT Systems Officer Newry ICT
Janet English Powell Temporary Key Worker Portadown External Engagement
Alex Graham Temporary Campus Services Administrator Newry Campus Services
Grainne Hannaway Permanent IT Services Manager Armagh ICT
Adam Jackson Temporary PT Lecturer - Motor Vehicle Newry Building Technology & Engineering
Michael McGregor Permanent Trainee Procurement Officer Newry Finance
Helen O’Connor Temporary Deputy Head of Human Resources Newry Human Resources and Development
John Ryan Permanent Caretaker Newry Estates
Staff Changes
Leavers
Jeffrey Smyth Permanent Business Development Executive
Rebecca Ellison Temporary Key Worker- Employ me
Christopher Lawson Permanent Lecturer - Mechatronics
Killian McEvoy Permanent Monitoring and Placement Officer
Business Support and Innovation
Portadown External Engagement
Portadown Building Technology & Engineering
Newry Skills Training