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Southern Regional College has partnered with a major cross-border alliance aimed at addressing critical skills shortages across the border counties.
The Southeast Higher Education/Further Education/Industry Cross-Border Alliance (SECBA) project was officially launched at Dundalk Institute of Technology on 24 October 2025. Supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, the €9.7 million initiative brings together higher education, further education and industry to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Running until October 2028, the project will ensure that learners gain industry-relevant skills while employers access a skilled and future-ready workforce. The SECBA partnership includes Southern Regional College, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Monaghan Institute, Cavan Institute and Workplus.
left: Pia Mackle (Specialist Lecturer in Science), Karen Mooney (Lecturer in Science),
Deirdre Murray (Specialist Lecturer in Science), Laura Martin (Curriculum Area
Manager, Faculty of Health & Science), Marie McArdle (Curriculum Area Manager,
Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies).
Training will focus on three key sectors experiencing rapid growth and talent shortages: software development, biopharmaceuticals and business and sports management. In software development, the focus will be on enhancing digital skills in AI, machine learning and cloud computing. The biopharmaceuticals strand will provide specialist biotechnology training across production processes, while business and sports management training will develop essential leadership and management skills through workshops and training sessions.
Over 3,000 participants will be recruited throughout the life of the programme, with 2,459 expected to complete accredited training. Learners will gain qualifications designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure that skills development directly supports business needs.
Upcoming courses due to commence in the new year at SRC include Level 2 qualifications in Developing Computer Applications and Data Analytics, with options to progress available in Software Development at Level 3 and Artificial Intelligence available at both Level 3 and Level 4. Within the biopharmaceuticals sector a new Laboratory Skills Level 3 Diploma will be available in the new year, with a Sports Analytics Level 2 qualification available for sports enthusiasts.
Speaking at the launch event, Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement at SRC, took part in a panel discussion alongside partners from DkIT, Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute. The discussion explored how SECBA will benefit employers, learners and the wider community through enhanced cross-border cooperation.
Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said the initiative represents a powerful example of how education and industry can come together to tackle regional challenges. "By working in partnership with DkIT, Monaghan Institute, Cavan Institute, and Workplus, SRC is building a cross-border workforce equipped for the future. The SECBA initiative represents a powerful example of how education and industry can come together to tackle regional challenges, close skills gaps and drive lasting prosperity for employers, learners, and communities alike," she said.
