Schools From Across District Take Part in SRC Vocational Skills Competition

Southern Regional College held their annual Schools Partnership Programme intercampus competition series across their campuses at the end of January.  One hundred and thirty-eight secondary school students from across County Down and Armagh participated in a range of vocational skills competitions.

Schools in attendance included Markethill High School, City of Armagh High School, Brownlow College, Craigavon Senior High, Lismore College, St Ronans, Newry High School, Newtownhamilton High School, St Joseph’s Boys School, St Louis Grammar School, St. Marks High School, St. Pauls High School, St. Joseph’s High Crossmaglen, Newbridge Integrated College, Rathfriland High School, St. Patricks College, Banbridge High School and Dromore High School.

Students competed in a vast range of disciplines which included brickwork, joinery, tiling, fabrication, hairdressing and up-styles, blow-drys, childcare, plumbing, motor vehicle, plastering, catering, beauty, manicure nail art and graphic design.

The Schools Partnership Programme enables participating secondary school students undertaking GCSEs the opportunity to experience a wide range of vocational and academic areas and gain accredited qualifications through access to a broad and balanced curriculum at Southern Regional College.  Not unusually, young people learn best by experiencing practical scenarios. The programme and the intercampus competition make the learning process more engaging, by linking theoretical knowledge with practical application. 

Speaking on the competition Majella Kelly, Schools Partnership Programme Manager at Southern Regional College said: “The College was delighted to host the much-anticipated Schools Partnership Programme intercampus SkillBuild competition.  This year we had 18 schools enter students in 13 disciplines covering a broad spectrum.  The competition provides secondary school students the opportunity to develop personal, professional, and academic growth during a crucial developmental stage.  

"It is encouraging to see students honing their skills through real-world experiences, building confidence and self-esteem, and exploring various career paths to make informed decisions on available career pathways.  The competition not only serves to boost young peoples’ sense of accomplishment but also adds significant value to their CVs.  Congratulations to all students who participated within the competition.  We look forward to hearing of your future successes.” 

Students placing at the 2025 Manicure Nail Art Schools Partnership Programme competition were: (L-R) Evie Feldmane (2nd place - St Marks High School), Kristiyana Yordanova (1st place - City of Armagh High School), Marija Lukstaite (3rd place - Newry High School).

Manicure Nail Art activity during the 2025 Schools Partnership Programme competition.

Students placing at the 2025 Up Styles Schools Partnership Programme competition were: (L-R) Lydia Stewart (2nd place - City of Armagh High), Taylor Uprichard (1st place - Markethill High School), Ciara McAteer (3rd place - St Paul’s High School).

Students placing at the 2025 Total Beauty Schools Partnership Programme competition were: (L-R) Ellie Thompson (2nd place - Banbridge High School), Sarah Hughes (1st place - Newtownhamilton High School), Ella O’Callaghan (3rd place - St Paul’s High School).

Students placing at the 2025 Hairdressing (Blow-drys) Schools Partnership Programme competition were: (L-R) Holly Brophy (2nd place - Banbridge High School), Lauren Larkin (1st place - St Joesphs High School), Sophia Crawford (3rd place - City of Armagh High School).

Hairdressing (Blow-dry) activity during the 2025 Schools Partnership Programme competition.