1 Comment
A student from Southern Regional College's Newry campus has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Northern Ireland 2026 awards.
Aoife Rooney, 19, from Kilkeel, received the honour at the ceremony in Belfast last month.
Aoife is in the first year of her Business Level 5 Higher National Diploma Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) at SRC's Newry campus, combining her studies with work at Collins Aerospace. She was one of ten apprentices shortlisted for the award from across Northern Ireland. Also shortlisted was fellow SRC student Holly McCafferty from Newry, an Engineering Higher Level Apprentice who works with MJM Marine as part of her HLA programme.
Judges were impressed by Aoife's initiative, technical ability and professionalism, highlighting her proactive approach to problem-solving, including her introduction of digital tools and QR code systems to improve workplace processes and efficiency. The panel also commended her leadership potential and dedication to developing her skills within Northern Ireland's engineering and manufacturing sector.
Through her apprenticeship, Aoife has gained experience in manufacturing operations, developing an understanding of industry processes, quality requirements and accurate documentation. On a day-to-day basis she uses JIRA, a project and issue tracking software, and Jetstream, a manufacturing execution system that allows businesses to monitor, track and document the transformation of raw materials into finished goods.
As Aoife explains, these systems have given her the "opportunity to learn more about manufacturing processes and how important accurate documentation is within the industry."
On receiving the award, Aoife said: "Winning Apprentice of the Year feels amazing and I'm incredibly grateful to have been chosen for the award. I was already delighted to be shortlisted and have the opportunity to attend the event, so winning the award means a lot to me. I've genuinely enjoyed every minute of my higher level apprenticeship so far and would recommend this path to anyone considering it. Receiving this award makes all the hard work feel worthwhile and means the world to me."
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "Congratulations to Aoife on being recognised as Apprentice of the Year and to those recognised as finalists. Higher Level Apprenticeships are designed to develop talented individuals who can make an immediate impact in the workplace and build successful careers. Aoife's success at these awards demonstrates the impact of Higher Level Apprenticeships in making meaningful contributions to business organisations."
