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Newry-based Re-Gen has welcomed another cohort of students to its headquarters as part of its long-running apprenticeship programme, with the Re-Gen Academy now having supported 35 students since its launch in 2018. The programme continues to offer structured learning opportunities to local young people while also helping to address the growing green skills gap in Northern Ireland.
As one of Europe's largest recycling companies, Re-Gen offers apprenticeships across a range of STEM disciplines including Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, Welding and Fabrication, Mechatronics, Cloud Computing and Digital Construction, as well as business functions such as Accounting and Marketing.
Commercial Director Celine Doherty said the Academy reflects the family-led company's long-term commitment to Newry and Northern Ireland. "Our Academy was launched as part of our long-term commitment to developing skilled talent across the region. Our approach combines on-the-job learning with formal education, tailored support from mentors, and career progression. The Re-Gen Academy has become a central part of how we grow our teams, offering apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships across a wide range of roles," she said.
Re-Gen works closely with the Southern Regional College, Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast to ensure its programmes meet industry standards. Students who complete an initial apprenticeship are offered the opportunity of further academic advancement, including support for top-up degrees.
Among those to have benefited is Katerina Poutsi, a Southern Regional College student who joined Re-Gen as a Communications Assistant before being promoted to Marketing Co-ordinator. She has completed a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications and is now working towards a bachelor's degree in 2028. "Since day one, I've had a clear training plan, support from a dedicated mentor and the wider team. I've gained invaluable insight into the real world of working which I can see is establishing my employability for when I graduate," she said.
Aidan McCracken is another example of the Academy's impact. Having completed his Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Accountancy in 2021, he went on, with Re-Gen's support, to achieve Chartered status with Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2026. Re-Gen continues to support him as he progresses in his career.
The Academy's success is reflected in a 95 per cent student retention rate. In March 2026, Re-Gen hosted a speedy hiring event at its Newry base which attracted over 100 potential apprentices from the surrounding area, helping the company build a pipeline of future local talent.
Re-Gen's growth in recent years has been significant. Revenue has increased from £30m to around £100m over the last five years, and the company now employs over 400 people across its two sites, making it the largest recycling company in Northern Ireland. Last year, Deloitte recognised the business as one of its Best Managed Companies, awarding it a Gold Award for resilience, innovation and team culture.
The company has also donated £1 million to local charities to date, including £130,000 in 2025, supporting organisations ranging from Newry-based charities such as Women's Aid to national bodies such as the Air Ambulance and international organisations including Fields of Life.
This year, Re-Gen supported a team from Southern Regional College to compete in the UK leg of STEM Racing, a classroom competition endorsed by Formula 1 that challenges students to design, build and race their own miniature cars. The Southern Regional College team secured the Northern Ireland Champions National Cup and will now compete at the Aramco STEM World Finals in Singapore this October.
Further information on Re-Gen's community commitments and the Academy is available at regenwaste.com
