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The Southern Regional College’s Big Apprenticeship Event last week at the College’s Newry West Campus saw almost 1000 people attending the showcase event locally for prospective apprentices.
Apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships offer potential students the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, while gaining relevant experience with an employer. There’s currently a huge range of qualifications available which includes foundation degree and top-up degree programmes. Degree programmes are externally validated by leading universities.
Current Southern Regional College apprenticeship students spoke at the event, as part of the ambassador programme.
Apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages, from school leavers to adult returners and those seeking a career change. There are no tuition fees associated with pursing an apprenticeship or higher level apprenticeship due to funding provided by DfE. While undertaking an apprenticeship or higher level apprenticeship, students earn a wage, so therefore there remains no financial burden or student loans to consider while undertaking one of these programmes.
Many local school pupils were in attendance. Year 14 St. Mary’s High School, Newry students Sarah McGinn and Katie Havern were there investigating career and course options post A-levels. Sarah is keen on pursing a foundation degree higher level apprenticeship in business and Katie was torn between foundation degree higher level apprenticeships in sport and accounting.
Attendees at the event heard about upcoming apprenticeship and higher-level apprenticeship opportunities starting September 2025 with over 40 employers and support organisations in attendance at the event.
Local Newry accountancy practice Mooney Matthews, with offices also in Armagh and Belfast attended the event, hoping to recruit an accounting technician higher level apprentice to their drive business forward. Speaking on value of higher level apprenticeship routes, Lisa Garvey from Mooney Matthews commented: "At Mooney Matthews we have been hiring apprentices for the last 7 years. We believe they are invaluable members of our team and vital in helping our firm to grow."
Dylan Mooney, Recruitment Consultant at Randox commented: "We are actively recruiting apprentices in several main areas including life sciences, accounting, engineering and mechatronics. We are offering apprentices the opportunity to gain professional hands-on experience at a global company that makes a difference."
Jodie Crooks, a current life science foundation degree higher level apprentice at the College and employed with Randox Laboratories added: "From the perspective of an apprentice it's really beneficial to gain corporate experience before entering the workforce full-time. I am gaining valuable experience that will set me apart from peers and gaining in-depth knowledge at the same time."
DfE’s theme for this year’s apprenticeship week was “Getting it Right for You” highlighting the many varied and flexible opportunities that exist with an apprenticeship. Southern Regional College offer 12 distinct level 2 apprenticeship opportunities and 13 level 3 apprenticeship opportunities across the College’s 5 campuses. Popular sectors include business, children’s care, construction, engineering, hairdressing & barbering, hospitality & food manufacturing to motor vehicles.
For apprentice’s seeking to pursue degree level foundation and top-up degree qualifications, higher level apprenticeships are available in 20 areas including accounting, business, finance and marketing, computing, construction, engineering, bioscience, analytical science, sports & exercise and tourism, hospitality & events management.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “It has been incredible to witness the increased interest and enthusiasm for all things apprenticeships. The College has continuously developed the range of apprenticeship opportunities available, catering for the diverse interests and career pathways of people within the southern region.
Apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeships offer participants the distinct opportunity to train for a career in a chosen field, whilst being in employment. Our aspiration is to enable as many people as possible to start a career they enjoy and are passionate about. We look forward to September when we will be welcoming new apprentices starting their journey with Southern Regional College.”
Councillor Pete Byrne, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council further commented: “SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event was truly inspiring! It was wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and engagement from both prospective participants and local employers in our District. Events like these not only provide valuable opportunities for apprentices to engage with potential employers, but also enable our businesses to innovate and grow with new talent and skills. The partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership highlights the collaborative effort towards fostering meaningful career pathways and job creation in the District. It's great to see such initiatives shaping the future for both individuals and businesses alike!”
The event was held in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership and took place during the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) Apprenticeship Week 3 – 7 February 2025.
A full list of apprenticeship opportunities is available at www.src.ac.uk
