You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream
- C.S. Lewis
After more than 30 years of dedicated service to education, Brian Doran Principal and Chief Executive at the College has retired from service. Brian retired on 31st August after 15 years at the helm in the College’s most senior role. At a special event, Department for the Economy officials, representatives from Northern Ireland’s Further and Higher Education Colleges, Governing Body members and senior staff from across SRC came together at Newry West campus to celebrate Brian’s career.
Since taking office, Brian has been instrumental in growing the College into one of the largest education providers in Northern Ireland. The College sees approximately 10,000 students enrolled annually and since his tenure began over 437,510 students have enrolled.
Brian has been passionate about lifelong learning and the College’s ethos of ‘Putting the Learner First’. He has been instrumental in developing and delivering programmes of study, from the Schools Partnership Programme, addressing the need for school pupils to be provided with a wide range of learning opportunities suited to their needs and interest, through to the development of a range of Higher-Level Apprenticeships (HLAs). Under Brian’s leadership, the College has taken massive leaps in the development of HLAs supported by strong links with academic partners and the local business community.
Despite the massive remit, Brian has ensured the College has remained accessible to all.
Brian has been vocal in ensuring those with learning difficulties and special needs remain supported and have a route to continue with education after secondary school. Indeed, the College is the only college in Northern Ireland with Autism accreditation.
Brian has planned to spend more time working on his leisure activities. Having dabbled with cycling over the years including leading the Further Education cycle last year, which saw Brian visit College campuses across Northern Ireland to raise awareness and funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, he is now set to work on his golf swing. After all, Brian is committed to lifelong learning!
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO commented:
“As incoming CEO of Southern Regional College, I am inspired by the incredible legacy that Brian Doran has built over more than 30 years of dedicated service. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success has guided Southern Regional College in becoming a place of knowledge and opportunity for all.
Brian has been instrumental to the advancement of the College and his tenure has seen many significant achievements, including leading Southern Regional College to become the top performing College in the UK in WorldSkills UK 2022, as well as overseeing the delivery of our two new campuses at Armagh and Banbridge. His leadership has not only elevated the College’s reputation but has also shaped countless lives. It is an honour that I am now in a position to build upon the solid foundation he has established.”
Last month, Southern Regional College’s Higher Education graduates celebrated their academic achievement across a range of subjects with family, friends, and College staff in a major ceremony at the Armagh City Hotel.
This special event recognised individual and collective success as 179 graduates were conferred with Foundation Degrees, Higher Level Apprenticeships, and Professional Qualifications spanning a wide variety of courses delivered across all campuses. Many more SRC graduates attended ceremonies held at Ulster University and Queens University Belfast among others.
Honours Degrees were delivered in conjunction with Ulster University, Liverpool John Moores, and Stranmillis University in subjects such as Creative Imaging, Early Childhood Studies, English & History, and Business Studies. The event saw students of all ages achieving success in these areas.
The College is deeply invested in the Higher Level Apprenticeship Programme offering nineteen Higher Level Apprenticeship courses, many validated by Open University, that create opportunities to gain quality training and a recognised qualification all helping to aid the skills gap within many industry sectors across Northern Ireland.
During this special event, many of our HLA graduates were recognised for their achievements. The College has strong working relationships with many of the employers being in attendance.
SRC welcomed Deborah Loughran, founder of King Communication as guest speaker to the event. Deborah is a communications and marketing consultant who has worked with local and international brand names. Deborah is a keen lifelong learner having both undertaken additional learning courses and mentoring others.
Speaking at the event, Deborah said;
“I would encourage any graduate to never stop l earning. I spoke about getting my Diploma way back at the start of my career and I have tried to never stop learning. I do one major course every year especially in the face of the world that we live in, without constant learning we get left behind. Today is not about the end of your learning, it should be opening the door to what comes next and there is plenty of people in this room that can help and guide you as SRC’s core value is ‘Putting the Learner First’.”
Level 3 Applied Science students gained great results in their recent examinations.
Ugne Rastutyte is about to embark on Higher Education studying Pharmacy at Ulster University. In 2020 after finishing School, Ugne enrolled at SRC to do a Level 2 in Applied Science and discovered her passion as an aspiring young scientist and progressed onto Level 3 in Armagh Campus. She can confidently say it was her best decision ever.
Thomas Frazer is commencing a Higher Level Apprenticeship at SRC. Back in 2021 with outstanding GCSE results at Newtownhamilton High School, Thomas had so many options available including A-Levels but the vocational Level 3 Extended Diploma was the option he chose. He achieved top marks with Distinctions across all modules studied and feels the course opened his eyes to many different and exciting opportunities.
Shane McCool, a fellow Level 3 Applied Science student takes the next step in achieving his dream of becoming a paramedic. He has been accepted onto Paramedic Science at Ulster University where he will build on his knowledge, skills and behaviours gained through coursework and work experience as a volunteer with St John Ambulance.
What better way to start the academic year than with an intercampus football competition for our sporting students as part of their induction week. Well done to Lurgan firsts who won the cup! Students will continue to take part in a range of sports competitions throughout the year.
Southern Regional College students achieved outstanding results this year with a 93.4% overall pass rate in A-Levels, with students performing highly in STEM subjects. Over 250 students completed A-Level examinations this year and the results were exceptional.
Successful A-Level students include:
• Penny Boland from Craigavon who achieved three A* in Biology, Chemistry and Digital Technology and hopes to progress to Ulster University to study Pharmacy;
• Beth Moates from Portadown achieved an A* in Religious Studies, an A in Chemistry and B in Biology and is progressing to Bristol University to study Veterinary Science;
• Matthew Canniffe from Craigavon achieved two A’s in Biology and Chemistry, with a B in Physics. Matthew is progressing to Cardiff University to study Neuroscience; and
• Sarah Stewart from Lisnadill, Armagh who continued the strong A-Level performance, achieving two A’s in Biology and Religious Studies, and a grade C in Chemistry.
Not to be outshone, AS-Level students performed highly with a 100% achievement rate in the subjects of Digital Technology, English Literature, Geography, Nutrition and Food Science and Religious Studies. AS-Level students also performed strongly in STEM subjects.
Some successful AS-Level students include:
• Sean Colligan from Armagh achieving two A’s in Digital Technology, English Literature and a B in History;
• Levente Eber from Dungannon and Gary Freeburn from Markethill. Both achieved A’s in Chemistry and Maths, with grade B in Physics; and
• Ciarrai McQuaid from Portadown achieving an A in Religious Studies and B’s in English Literature and History.
Stephen Rogan, Head of Faculty for Computing, Design and Academic Studies commented:
“The excellent A-Level results achieved by our students at the College reflects the effort and commitment they have made to their learning, under the guidance and support of staff.
Students faced a continuously evolving and challenging learning environment, and all have adapted in order to achieve these wonderful results. I am very proud of our students’ achievements, and it is a real testament to the hard work and effort of the staff and students that we have performed so well again this year”.
Keith Campbell, lecturer at the College picked up the coveted title of ‘Lecturer of Year’ pipping his fellow SRC colleague Sinead Boyle to the award. Keith teaches on a range of hospitality and patisserie courses at the College and is a former SRC student. Keith and his colleague Sinead faced a grilling by a panel of independent judges in June and were left to ‘sweat it out in the kitchen’ until September when results were finally revealed.
During the competition, Keith prepared a presentation detailing his role within the College, working with students and leading them to success at regional and national competitions, and how the College continues to work hand in hand with local businesses preparing students for the hospitality industry.
As part of the College’s sustainability plans, Keith even spoke on the development of a foraging qualification designed to introduce safe and sustainable foraging practices to influence dishes served.
Elsewhere, student Claire Ward who recently graduated with the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Hospitality & Tourism with Specialisms, picked up the ‘Student Management Potential Award’ and former student Collen Lennon from hospitality business ‘The Oliver’ was a finalist in the Independent Chef of the Year category.
In a glittering awards ceremony at the Culloden Hotel and Spa, the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards for Professionalism 2023 returned to present 18 awards. With over 350 hospitality professionals in attendance at the event on Friday 8th September, hosted by TV personality Pamela Ballantine, Southern Regional College was delighted to have lecturers, students and past students as finalists, and receive two accolades!
Claire Ward accepting her Student Management Potential Award
Matt Turner, Head of Faculty for Professional Services commented:
“I am beyond delighted to have so many lecturers, students and past students nominated as well as deserving winners at this year’s Northern Ireland Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism 2023. Staff and students put a tremendous amount of work into a creative profession, and to see this effort be recognised is absolutely fantastic.”
Congratulations to all finalists and winners!
Pictured receiving his Award for Lecturer of the Year at the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards for Professionalism 2023 is Keith Campbell from SRC
Since the programme’s conception, partners have been working with employers to ensure the programme’s delivery is mutually beneficial. Learning points from the past five months have been taken into account to ensure both employers and participants have they support they need. This includes bridging the gap from being economically inactive to employment through taster work placement sessions, providing participants with the skills and confidence to develop.
Libby Shackels, Director of Curriculum commented:
At the formal launch of the Employ Me Employability Programme at the College’s Newry Campus last month, 80 guests including local businesses, community organisations and elected representatives were updated on initial progress made and future plans.
Employ Me is a two-year employability programme providing training, employability and wraparound support for economically inactive people aged 16+ to reduce barriers, develop skills, achieve qualifications and enhance employability to enable progression to employment/self-employment. Special emphasis is given to participants who have a disability, are aged 50+, women returners, those in, or at risk of entering, the justice system, single parents and carers.
The College is the lead delivery partner for the programme. Together with community lead partner Clanrye Group and organisations Community Advice and Women’s Aid Armagh Down, partners are working to evolve the lives of participants. Since the programme commencement in April 2023, 270 participants have enrolled, with 62 securing employment and 41 undertaking volunteer opportunities, and a further 15 commencing work placements. To date, participants have undertaken 137 training courses.
“Southern Regional College remains committed to widening participation of those who face significant barriers to education and training including those economically inactive, those with learning difficulties and disabilities, those from under-represented groups in society and those not in employment or training.
The Employ Me programme is an example of how the College aspires collectively to create a dynamic ecosystem where partnership with community is a key priority. SRC is delighted to have secured funding from the UK Shared Prosperity People and Skills fund to bring forward a new and innovative approach to provide training and employability wrap around support for people in both the Newry, Mourne & Down, and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council areas. This funding will help economically inactive people, aged 16+ to achieve their career aspirations and personal goals.”
Liam Devine, Chief Executive Officer at Clanrye Group further commented:
“Together we can do so much more. In the challenging times that we are in, now is the time to set aside old ways of working and embrace change, partnership and growth. It is our intention to do just that, and I look forward to working with SRC and our fellow partners Community Advice and Women’s Aid Armagh Down.”
Northern Ireland outfitting firm MJM Marine is at the heart of the global cruise ship industry with $150 million of new work secured for 2023/24.
The increase in business across a range of global clients, including the world’s largest cruise companies, will see the Newry headquartered business create more than 100 new jobs. This job announcement poses an exciting opportunity for apprentices at SRC. One which Skills Training Manage Denise Cornett and Building Technology and Engineering Curriculum Area Manager Patrick Mulholland were ‘on board’ to hear about.
The announcement was made while on board the stunning ‘Celebrity Apex’ which was docked in Belfast. ‘Celebrity Cruises’ is a brand in the Royal Caribbean Group, and one of MJM Marine’s trade partners.
The strong order book reaches across seven of the world’s leading brands, with delivery taking place in locations across the world including Singapore, stretching across Europe, and into The Bahamas.
Gary Annett, CEO MJM Marine said, “We have a really exciting growth trajectory and new opportunities right across the business. The new roles are predominantly based at our headquarters in Newry and range from operations and project management to commercial and other business support roles. This represents a multi-million-pound GVA (Gross Value Add) to the local economy in salary contribution and significantly more in value to the local and national supply chain.
“There are more than 500 cruise ships active at the moment with regular refit and upgrade schedules. We have visibility of the future requirements, so we are confident of a buoyant long term project pipeline.”
“We are thrilled to announce the next phase of growth for MJM Marine. We are committed to strengthening our operations by investing for the future to make a positive impact for our people and planet.”
“To achieve this, we are launching an extensive recruitment drive aimed at attracting top talent, to complement our dynamic team. Our people are the force behind driving innovation and delivering industry firsts, which is the platform for our strong culture and performance. We take pride in our record for securing repeat business and the development of collaborative client relationships, with brands who entrust us time and again with their refit work.”
Naoimh McConville, Group Managing Director, Rathbane Group (MJM Marine parent company) added,Northern Ireland Screen has announced an innovative partnership with NextGen Skills Academy, aimed at bolstering Games, Animation, and Visual Effects expertise in three Northern Ireland Further Education colleges.
The two-year pilot programme will facilitate direct industry engagement from a range of international and local creative studios, improving students’ employability prospects in the creative industries, one of the fastest growing sectors in Northern Ireland’s economy. Notable partners in this venture include Industrial Light & Magic, renowned for their visual effects work in franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, as well as Creative Assembly, the creative force behind international gaming franchises like Total War, and Blue Zoo, the animation studio responsible for family favourites such as Numberblocks and The Adventures of Paddington.
Belfast Met, Northern Regional College and Southern Regional College will offer courses in conjunction with NextGen Skills Academy.
Each College will deliver a Level 3 vocational course, equivalent to three A Levels, aimed at school leavers who have a passion for games, animation and visual effects (VFX).
This initiative will enable students to work on live industry projects, receive feedback from employers, and sharpen their skills to professional standards.
Stephen Rogan, Head of Faculty for Computing, Design and Academic Studies commented:
“With the support of Northern Ireland Screen and NextGen Skills Academy we are delighted to once more be offering students the opportunity to gain skills relevant to employers’ needs. We live in a rapidly changing environment, so to offer students the chance to work on live projects and gain relevant industry feedback, alongside lecturer coaching and mentoring support will without doubt set students up for success in their future career path”.
Southern Regional College are now offering a new range of flexible courses under the Step-Up (Skills, Training and Employment programme).
For those aged 25 and over, not in education, employment or training, the College Connect 24+ will provide individual development plans alongside a range of short courses based on the needs of the individual, to support individuals into further training, education or employment. Typical short courses will include (list not exhaustive) CSR card, food hygiene, forklift- counterbalance and telescopic, digger driving, manual handling, working at heights, men’s haircutting, book-keeping, first aid.
For individuals with a learning disability and aged 16 and over, and unemployed or economically inactive, the DARE programme will provide skill enhancement and pathways into Further Education and employment. Support offered through DARE includes mentorship, goal setting and action planning based on the learner’s own needs. Expert advice from other organisations will also be provided, where appropriate.
WRAP seeks to provide unemployed and economically inactive women with the confidence, skills and work experience to progress to employment or return to further or higher education opportunities.
Catriona Regen, Head of External Engagement commented:
Step-Up consists of three strands. They are:
1) College Connect+
2) DARE (Disability Access Route to Education and Employment), and
3) WRAP (Women Returners Access Programme)
The programme aims to help a wide range of participants, from anyone over the age of 16, anyone with a disability, and those seeking to return to the workforce and re-skill following a career break. The aim of the programme is to increase the participation of under-represented individuals and encourage individuals to gain skills, education and increase employment opportunities.
Strands will include mentoring, mentoring for work placement and project-based learning, alongside accredited courses.
College Connect+ has two divisions split between learners aged 16-24, and those aged 25 and over, recognising the different challenges these age groups may face. For those aged 16-24, College Connect+ is aimed at helping young students and care leavers who are not currently in education, employment or training with alongside careers advice and employability skills, alongside short courses.
“Many people feel unsure about their future but want to learn new skills and experience new opportunities. If this is you, you are not alone. Many people of all ages face challenges and barriers in their lives. That’s why Southern Regional College is here to help you through the Skills, Training and Employment (STEP Up) Programme.
STEP Up is a friendly and supportive programme that will help you rediscover your potential and achieve your goals. You will have access to a variety of courses that suit your interests and abilities. You will also have mentoring, to guide you along the way and provide you with feedback and encouragement.
Whether you want to find a job, pursue further education, or simply improve your confidence and well-being as the first step towards gaining employment, STEP Up can help you make it happen. Don’t hesitate to contact the College’s key workers today and find out how STEP Up can change your life for the better”.
Funding was secured and announced by the Department for the Economy, and provided by the UK Government under the New Deal for Northern Ireland initiative, the College will be delivering the Step-Up Programme alongside the five other further education Colleges in Northern Ireland.
(L-R): Gerard Houlahan, Programme Keyworker; Catriona Regan, Head of External Engagement; Mariam Al Refai, student; Jenni Spice, Programme Keyworker; Joseph McCaffrey, Programme Keyworker.Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges have announced details of up to 2,000 new NI Traineeship places now available for both school leavers and adults.
Available across 27 professions, the novel NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in a range of sectors including engineering, auto, electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, childcare and early years.
The NI Traineeships are supported by the Department for the Economy, in line with its 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy, to offer a further accessible route to further study and employment, including apprenticeships.
The NI Traineeships include project-based learning and skills training which offer students a more dynamic and relevant vocational programme of learning than traditional academic pathways.
While undertaking their Traineeship, students will explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer.
Students will also have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within their chosen sector, as well as skills valued by employers including problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking about the opportunities provided by the NI Traineeships, Leo Murphy, Chair of the College Principals’ Group and Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC), said:
“These NI Traineeships offer young people and adults a fantastic chance to begin a new and exciting chapter.
Utilising the world-class facilities available in our FE Colleges, these NI Traineeships provide students with accessible, really enjoyable, high-quality vocational education and training, and working relationships with leading employers that often lead to fulfilling careers.
These Traineeships also highlight the value employers now place on the use of Traineeship as a route to Apprenticeships, with many hundreds of young people progressing to employment in key sectors. The exciting work-based training options highlight the vital role FE plays in the creation of a vibrant Northern Ireland economy.”
Libby Shackels, Director of Curriculum commented:
“The NI Traineeship is now the flagship level 2 programme that provides young people with a high-quality vocational education across twenty-seven skills areas.
Traineeships are equivalent to five GCSEs, providing students with the progression pathway to a Level 3 Vocational qualification or Apprenticeship, and indeed a Higher Education qualification in the future.”
Andrew McVarnock, a current student undertaking an NI Professional Chef Traineeship encourages others to explore the opportunities offered, Andrew said:
“I first became aware of the Traineeship by attending the College Open Day last year. At the event lecturers provided me with lots of information about the Traineeship and I began to realise how the course would help develop my skills and lead to lots of job opportunities.
I’ve learnt lots both in College and on my work placements. When I reflect on the experience, I can see how much I’ve learnt and how my skills have improved. I’ve been able to work in a Michelin starred restaurant and I’m looking forward to progressing onto the Level 3 Apprenticeship.”
A very special event, hosted by the Lord Mayor of ABC Council, Alderman Margaret Tinsley was held last month at the Palace Demesne, Armagh to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Women’s Aid Armagh Down.
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement was delighted to attend this event which is part of the Women’s Aid Armagh Down 40th year anniversary campaign to help raise awareness of the charity’s work and to engage with key businesses within the area.
Attendees learned about the charity’s important work locally and how local employers, along with Council, can get their teams involved to support the work of this vital charity.
For further information visit https://womensaidarmaghdown.org/
A special event marking 40 Years of Women’s Aid Armagh Down!
Together we raised £1,923 for our charity partner.
Thank you to all those staff who donated!!
The College’s Corporate & Wellbeing Day was held in August at the Armagh City Hotel. Alongside key corporate updates including our commitment to sustainability and the launch of the College’s commercialisation strategy, we got together as a college to enjoy health and welling activities including a walking tour, art session, Yoga, and origami.
During this event we also bid a fond farewell to those colleagues retiring after many years’ service, each presented with a retirement gift. The winners of the staff and student recognition awards were also announced, and each presented with a gift marking their significant achievements.
The afternoon sessions saw our curriculum staff being made aware of faculty objectives for the upcoming year, while support staff attended a session with hosted by Catherine McIntosh on building resilience through times of change.
The Corporate & Wellbeing Day is a great opportunity for all staff to reconnect following summer leave. The Organisational Development team would love to get feedback from any member of staff in attendance that day.
Click the link below and take a few minutes to provide some feedback.
Denise Cornett, ST Manager of the Year 2023
Marianne Magee, CDAC Volunteer of the Year
Meet Ryan Michael, a proud alumnus of SRC, now producer at Manchester United
He shares his journey from studying Interactive and Moving Media at SRC to working for one of the biggest football clubs in the world.
He also tells us what he enjoys about his current role, which involves travelling, winning awards, and developing young creatives.
The Department for the Economy has announced the introduction of All Age Apprenticeships which provide opportunities for more people to embark on a career of their choice.
This is in response to the Department’s recent budget consultation response which evidenced the importance of All Age Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are critical to the delivery of the Department’s 10x Economic Vision.
The Department for the Economy will now fully fund the off-the-job training element of an apprenticeship under the ApprenticeshipsNI programme regardless of age or sector.
This will mean the potential to create an additional 1,700 apprenticeship opportunities per year for those aged 25 and above. There will be more career options available to people of all ages, supporting inclusion and a culture of lifelong learning.
All Age Apprenticeships are now available through the department’s ApprenticeshipsNI programme which is delivered by the six further education colleges and over 20 private training organisations.
(L-R) Greg Whan, General Manager, TrustFord, Moira Doherty, Head of Skills and Education at DfE, Ryan Armour second year apprentice in Heavy Vehicle, Michael Strain, Chief Executive, Transport Training Board and Brooke McNeill, second year apprentice in Light Vehicle.
SRC staff members have the chance of winning an Ellison Gift Voucher. These were kindly donated by our Hair, Beauty & Barbering Department. Just answer this ONE question...
Who recieved Lecturer of the Year at the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards for Professionalism?
(Click to answer)
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEXT ISSUE!
Want to get into the Halloween spirit? Check out this Pumpkin Cupcake recipie for the perfect autumnal treat for you and the family!
Don’t be shy! Send in a picture of your cupcake masterpiece to marketing@src.ac.uk to be featured in next month’s issue!
PUMPKIN CUPCAKE RECIPE
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