Write a commentThe Queen's Birthday Honours List gave cause for double celebration for the Southern Regional College (SRC) as a formers student and a lecturer were named in the awards this week.
Former student, Gary Doyle received a British Empire Medal (BEM) while lecturer, Ronnie Ferris received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The list, which recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the UK, sees Gary being the youngest person in the UK to receive an honour!
The 21 year old plumbing apprentice from Ballyward, triumphed at the global skills competition WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015, winning a gold medal in the Plumbing and Heating category and is now crowned the ‘Best Plumber in the World’. Gary’s success followed four days of intense competition against more than 1000 of the world’s most skilled young people.
Ronnie, from Newry, was Gary’s lecturer and mentor throughout the process. He guided Gary throughout his training at the College and on his journey to Global success. He has been awarded for his “services to schools development and the community in Co.Down.”
Mr. Brian Doran, Chief Executive, SRC, commented: “I am delighted that both Gary and Ronnie have been honoured in the Queen’s birthday honours. For Gary to be selected to represent the UK at the WorldSkills competition last summer in Brazil was in itself a great achievement for but to have been crowned the best plumber in the world exceeded all our expectations. Gary has been a wonderful ambassador for the college and the wider region and I have no doubt that his success will help inspire other trainees and apprentices in future skills competitions. Mr Doran continued “It was also fitting that Ronnie was honoured with an MBE in recognition for his services to skills competitions and the wider community here in Northern Ireland. Whilst Gary’s success last summer was the icing on the cake, Ronnie has mentored and supported many other trainees in local and national competitions over many years and I am delighted that his work has been formally recognised. Gary and Ronnie worked as a team to achieve global success and we are delighted to be able to share in their success.”
