Write a comment
A second FinTech Assured Skills Academy, a second Academy has commenced at Southern Regional College’s Newry campus. The academy started 29 January and will provide provide high-quality education and training opportunities within the local community.
The Assured Skills Academy is offered in collaboration with First Derivative, a leading provider of software and consulting services to the global financial industry. The Academy, which is funded by the Department for the Economy, aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the fast-growing and innovative field of financial technology (FinTech).
Commenting on the initiative Economy Minister Conor Murphy said “I am delighted to see the second Assured Skills Academy in conjunction with First Derivative underway and this pathway providing FinTech training for 12 individuals with a guaranteed job interview upon successful completion.
“Assured Skills Academies have a strong track record of delivering high quality training to participants as well as providing employers with the talented and skilled people they need to grow and boost their competitiveness.”
On successful completion of the Academy, the twelve programme participants are guaranteed an interview with First Derivative for analyst positions, where they will be able to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge to real-world projects and challenges. The Academy is a great way for aspiring FinTech professionals to gain a competitive edge in the job market and access a rewarding and exciting career path.
Running for eight weeks, participants will be introduced to a wide range of training, from Introduction to Capital Markets, Introduction to Project Management, Introduction to Using Python for Analytics, Software Fundamentals, Introduction to Cyber Security, Introduction to Cloud Technologies, RDBMS/SQL, Excel and Introduction to PowerBI.
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Support at Southern Regional College commented “SRC is delighted to be working in partnership with DfE and First Derivative to deliver this academy, providing an excellent opportunity for 12 people to develop key data and systems analysis skills in preparation for potential roles in the Fintech industry. This collaborative approach between industry and academia is a winning formula to prepare people for the digital jobs that are available in our local economy.”
Aoibhin McKinney, from First Derivative further commented “First Derivative are delighted to launch their second Assured Skills Academy. This year’s FinTech Analyst academy will see 12 successful applicants receive eight weeks of industry-relevant, pre-employment training at Southern Regional College’s Newry campus. They will have a guaranteed job interview for the Graduate Programme at First Derivative. An intense but well-rounded upskilling of various financial and technical platforms. Overall, a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is looking a career change or to simply upskill in financial or technical areas for developing exceptional talent.”
Write a comment
Over 900 people attended this week's Big Apprenticeship event at the Southern Regional College, west campus in Newry.
The event showcased the various apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeship courses now available for September 2024 entry and gave attendees a chance to explore career aspirations and goals with over 40 employers in attendance.
Opening the Big Apprenticeship Event were representatives from NMD LMP, Newry Chamber, NMD District Council and SRC. Included from left are: Conor Patterson, Newry Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership; Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber; Councillor Valerie Harte, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Raymond Sloan, Director of Client Services at SRC.
Held in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership the Big Apprenticeship event was funded by the Department for Communities. Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
Higher Level Apprenticeships offer students the opportunity to earn a wage whilst learning, with no tuition fees being payable as fees are sponsored by the Department for the Economy, saving applicants thousands. This offers students the opportunity to learn in their chosen career path, gaining a foundation degree or honours degree without being faced with hefty loans. Additionally, applicants will gain a competitive advantage over university peers as they work in their chosen occupation four days week whilst studying at College one day a week to learn all the technical know-how.
Visiting the Big Apprenticeship Event were twins Doroteja and Gabriele Kurlianskaite from Tandragree who are business and engineering students. Commenting on why she was considering an apprenticeship, Doroteja said: “I’m looking for future employers finding out about progression opportunities”.
Also visiting on the night was Tiernan Mullan with mun Sonya. Tiernan will be undertaking his GCSE’s this summer and is searching for apprenticeship opportunities in engineering.
Local Newry business Resonate Testing Limited was in attendance, hoping to recruit two higher level apprenticeships in mechatronics to drive business forward. Speaking on the night, Operations Manager Orla O’Donnell commented:
“The reason why Resonate Testing are here this evening is because we currently have four level 5 Higher Level Apprentices in Mechatronics, two are in their first year and two in their final year. So, we find the apprentice experience with Reasonate Testing is something that adds great value to both our workforce and also to the individual themselves and we are hoping to expand our workforce and recruit an additional two apprentices in mechatronics.”
Also attending was Hyster-Yale HR business partner Stephen Morrison alongside colleague Judith Gibson. Stephen commented “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for students to learn on the job and we find there are amazing opportunities for them when they come in as apprentices. In Hyster-Yale we are very pleased to provide those opportunities and help develop students’ potential.”
MTM Engineering Group Marketing Manager Michelle Mullan was also in attendance alongside colleagues, hoping to inspire future apprentices to join the business across multiple career fields “We are looking for driven school leavers passionate about engineering, quantity surveying, accounting and marketing, particularly within the construction sector. Our higher level apprenticeships this year include roles as a BIM Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Digital Marketer and Accounting Technician. Ambitious individuals should consider kick-starting their career journey with a higher level apprenticeship as it empowers them to thrive from the outset, blending hands-on experience with academic learning, all while earning a competitive salary.”
Raymond Sloan, Director of Client Services at Southern Regional College commented “I am delighted to see the success of The Big Apprenticeship Event this year. The availability of retraining and upskilling opportunities for individuals across all age groups is essential for the economic recovery and social well-being of our region. The Big Apprenticeship Event showcases the diverse and rewarding career paths that apprenticeships can offer and connects learners with employers who are looking for talent and skills. I look forward to welcoming our future Apprentices and Higher Level Apprentices to the College in September.”
Councillor Valerie Harte, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council further commented “How encouraging to see such interest, from both prospective participants and the breadth of local employers from the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area. The palpable energy felt at SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event, was fantastic. Apprentices for the forth coming year have the opportunity to transform their individual futures, by learning while they earn and also for employers to grow their businesses with fresh ideas, relevant skills, new talent and job creation. Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership were pleased to be involved.”
Applications for Apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeship opportunities can now be made on SRC’s website. Visit www.src.ac.uk.
Write a comment
Teachers in primary and secondary schools, who want to enter their pupils in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are reminded that the closing date for receipt of entries this year is coming up. Entries close on Wednesday, 28 February.
Your entry can be about anything that interests you. You may use any type of paper. The work that you submit may be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, crayon, markers, pastel, watercolour, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour and collage. Alternatively, it may be a print created from a lino block, wood block or any other method, and your artwork may be submitted on canvas.
This year is the 70th anniversary of the competition and young artists across the island of Ireland are invited to participate in a national celebration of Children's Art.
An exhibition of winning paintings is running in Omagh and artwork from Newry student artist, Alfie Whyte is included. The piece entitled ‘My Brother Charlie' was on display at the opening ceremony of the exhibition of winning paintings to celebrate 70 years of thenCompetition at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. It runs until 24 February. Amongst the top prize-winners in the 2019 competition, Alfie, then a pupil at Cloughoge Primary School, Newry, won first prize in the 7-8 years age category.
To find out how to enter or for more information go to www.texacochildrensart.com
Write a comment
Southern Regional College Careers Service has once again successfully achieved the Matrix Quality Standard, the international benchmark for organisations that offer information, advice and guidance (IAG) as part of their core services or activities. The Careers Service team at SRC provides all-encompassing advice to current and prospective students, from those seeking clarity on course choices to career opportunities.
This distinctive quality standard allows organisations to evaluate and improve their advice and support services, which ultimately helps individuals in their career choices. It is a robust framework, composed of 4 elements, which define best practice: Leadership and Management, Resources, Service Delivery and Continuous Quality Improvement.
To achieve the Standard, the College had to meet 28 criteria that focused on the quality and efficiency of the service delivery and the management of people and resources - a demanding process by any measure.
The virtual assessment, which lasted for 2 days on December 11th and 12th December, was conducted by a certified external assessor Mr Andy Richardson, who used an outcome-based approach; the assessor collected various evidence sources such as virtual interviews with groups of students, SRC’s Senior Management Team, SRC Career Team, Campus Services, the Student Engagement Manager and lecturing staff as well as external stakeholders such as the Department of Economy Careers Manager and Careers Teachers from local feeder schools.
The assessor witnessed the diversity and effectiveness of the information, advice and guidance provided by the SRC Careers Service. The assessment report noted “Staff across the College were very clear about the contributions the Service makes to the work of the College, with comments that included students exhibiting increased confidence and self-esteem, increased personal and career aspirations, taking personal responsibility for decisions made, gaining a qualification, and progressing, etc. Students described how during every intervention with Service staff, progress made towards the achievement of their personally agreed career outcome(s) are reviewed and the next steps agreed.”
Frank Mc Court, Careers and Learning Resources Manager at Southern Regional College commented “The accreditation is a major achievement and demonstrates the tremendous amount of work achieved by all those involved”.
Lorraine McKeown, Assistant Director for Student Services and Marketing at Southern Regional College further commented “The result is great testament to the excellent work delivered by the dedicated Student Services team. I am absolutely delighted that the information, advice and guidance that we provide has been again recognised as being of the very highest quality. It is marvellous to have this again confirmed by Matrix Quality accreditation.”
To make an appointment with the Careers Service team at SRC, please contact the team at 028 3751 2808 or by email at mail_careers@src.ac.uk
Write a comment
NI Water is marking National Apprenticeship Week by encouraging school leavers, graduates and people considering a career change to join them at its Entry Level virtual open evening on Monday 5 February 2024.
The company has 28 opportunities available in science, construction engineering, customer and intelligent operations, commercial contract management, Net Zero electrical engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), project management and also accountancy.
Newry College student Aga Borecka started NI Water’s Higher Level Apprentice programme in science in September 2023. She said: “I’m currently studying a foundation degree in Industrial Chemistry at Newry College for two years, working four days per week and studying one day a week. This balance allows me to gain practical experience whilst still improving my academic knowledge.
“My first piece of advice would be to apply because there are excellent opportunities in front of you. Secondly be prepared and know your employer, especially the company values. And thirdly enjoy every step of the journey. You will meet smart, kind people who will support you and who will become your work family. If I had to describe my experience so far it in one word it would be ‘incredible’. So, don’t wait – apply!”
Successful applicants will receive an attractive reward package from day one including a competitive salary, structured career progression and fully funded qualifications. Some of the posts also offer subsidised driving lessons which will truly put you in the driving seat of your career.
NI Water’s Entry Level Coordinator Clodagh Patterson said: “We’re really keen for people to consider an apprenticeship with NI Water so we’re organising a virtual open evening for school leavers, graduates and people embarking on a career change to find out more about what we have to offer.
“The virtual open evening comes at the start of National Apprenticeship Week and is the perfect opportunity for potential applicants to meet some of our current apprentices and industry experts who will be happy to answer any questions and talk about what an apprenticeship with NI Water means.
“We’ve got apprenticeships right across the business including streams in science, engineering, finance and much more. NI Water has won the best apprenticeship scheme in Northern Ireland, not once but twice in the last year! It shows we have something really special here, something to be proud of.”
Find out more about NI Water’s double award winning Entry Level Academy and for details about its online open evening on Monday 5th February 2024, go to www.niwater.com
Write a comment
Southern Regional College’s annual Big Apprenticeship Event returns this February during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024. Giving prospective apprentices all the information to ‘release their potential’ the Big Apprenticeship Event promises not to disappoint, with over 40 employers and support organisations attending the Newry event.
Held in conjunction with the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership, there will be information on current job opportunities attached to accompanying apprenticeship courses. Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
The Big Apprenticeship Event is being held in the College’s Newry West Campus on Tuesday 6 February and in Craigavon Civic Centre on Thursday 8 February 2024, both from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. So, if you can’t make one date, there is still the opportunity to meet prospective employers who are hiring for September 2024 on the alternative date. There’s a vast range of apprenticeship positions on offer including electrical installation, design and manufacturing; digital marketing; accounting; industrial science and cloud computing, analytics and security. Local employers in attendance include the Exact Group (NI) Ltd, Shelbourne Motors, Resonate Testing Ltd, Norbrook and AMC Construction NI Ltd.
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented “The College’s annual The Big Apprenticeship Event is an exciting showcase of apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships available at SRC. This event offers a unique opportunity for potential students to directly engage with a wide range of employers, opening doors to a myriad of promising career pathways."
Individuals will be able to hear from both employers and lecturers alike on courses and determine if an Apprenticeship or Higher Level Apprenticeship is the right career move. Attendees will be able to drop in and hear from current apprentices as they share their remarkable apprenticeship journey during ‘Apprenticeship Ambassador’ sessions.
Apprentices come from all walks in life, from school leavers to all age apprentices (adult returners), so there really is no clear-cut definition of what an apprentice looks like. Apprentices can work and study qualifications at a range of levels, from level 2/3 up to Higher Level Apprenticeships at level 5/6, the equivalent to a foundation degree or full honours degree.
The choice of subjects is diverse with 38 apprenticeship courses on offer at level 2/3 and 18 Higher Level Apprenticeship courses on offer at level 5/6. From accounting to carpentry and joinery, digital marketing, advertising and communications to engineering, hairdressing, hospitality and sport and exercise, the College offers a wide breath of opportunities for all.
Last year the College welcomed over 1,300 participants to the Big Apprenticeship Event over both nights and this year promises to be another busy year.
Mr Sloan added "Attendees will have the opportunity to gather invaluable information about our various programmes and discover the benefits of pursuing an apprenticeship. With both hands-on vocational training and recognised qualifications, apprenticeships provide a dynamic and practical approach to learning, equipping individuals with the skills and experience sought by employers.
"The Big Apprenticeship Event is designed to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their educational and career journeys. Whether you are a school leaver, a career changer, or someone seeking professional development, this event promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you shape your future”.
Speaking of the upcoming event Councillor Valerie Harte, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said “Newry Mourne and Down District Council, through the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership are delighted to support SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event demonstrating Councils commitment to ensuring local employers are gaining access to the right people, with the right skills required for growth and job creation. We encourage participants from across the district and all walks of life to attend the SRC Big Apprenticeship Event and find out more about the opportunity apprenticeships can offer.”
Register for your free ticket to the Big Apprenticeship Event at: www.src.ac.uk
Write a comment
The search is on to find 'Ireland's Fittest School'. Working with Fyffes, the aim is to find a school whose focus on fitness will replicate the success of previous ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ winners – Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy (2022) and Gilson National School, Oldcastle (2023).
Three of Ireland’s best-known athletes – World Para Rowing champion, Katie O’Brien and Olympians, sprinters Phil Healy and David Gillick are advising teachers and pupils alike that the search is on!
Running until the end of March, the top four schools in Ireland, north and south, will progress to a live ‘grand final’ at which the prize package will include €8,000 worth of sports equipment.
The programme will run until Friday, 29th March. Each week schools will participate in weekly exercises with Fit Squad Ambassadors, David Gillick, Katie O’Brien, and Phil Healy, to earn banana points in the race to be crowned Ireland’s Fittest School.
But here’s the twist, the top four schools on the leaderboard after the 29th of March 2024, will be invited to participate in the first ever LIVE Ireland’s Fittest School finale which will take place in May 2024 with Fyffes Ambassadors. The winners on the day, will receive €5,000 worth of sports equipment for their school with 2nd, 3rd and 4th receiving €1,000.
Schools can register at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie
1 Comment
Local student Lubo Mulkerns from Jonesborough is returning to the kitchen, but not just any kitchen. Lubo is competing with the regional finals of Future Chef on Wednesday 7 February 2024 at Belfast Metropolitan College. There, he will compete against six other secondary school students, who topped local competition heats to progress to the Northern Ireland regional final. The successful regional student will progress to the UK finals in March.
The Future Chef competition is open to year 10-12 secondary school students and aimed at developing culinary talents to inspire the next generation of chefs to get involved in the hospitality industry. Judging competitors are an amazing line up of six judges, including Geoff Baird, business development chef with Henderson Food Service; Gemma Austin who’s many accomplishments include representing Northern Ireland on BBC’s Great British Menu and Ulster Tatler Restaurant of the Year; Sean Owens, Culinary Training Officer at Ulster University; Artur Fron, winner of Northern Ireland’s Institute of Hospitality Independent Chef of the Year, and Kristen Nugent, FutureChef UK National Winner 2023.
Lubo who attends St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook has been in preparation for the regional completion for many weeks now. Each week Lubo practices his skills at home and at his dad’s local deli each Saturday. Lubo is also attending ten 1 to 1 mentoring sessions with Southern Regional College’s professional chef and lecturer Sinead Boyle, who herself was a finalist at the 2023 Institute of Hospitality Awards. Throughout these sessions, Sinead has been building and enhancing Lubo’s skills, practising dishes to improve timings.
At the regional competition Lubo will have just one hour, 30 minutes to prepare, chop, organise and cook his planned meal of a mouthwatering lamb in a marinated sauce followed by a tantalising jelly sorbet sponge with crème anglaise. Timing is everything, with Lubo admitting that the biggest challenge going into the regionals is getting timing right.
Commenting on the competition Lubo said “The biggest challenge is timing. The competition is 1h 30mins and so therefore I need to ensure I have everything cooked within this timeframe. This is why organisation is a very important skill to require. I have been practising at lot at home particularly over Christmas to try and get my timing narrowed down.”
Lubo holds out Gordan Ramsey as his role model within the culinary industry. Not forgetting home grown role models, Lubo hopes to follow in his dad’s footsteps and own his own restaurant in the future.
SRC Lecturer Sinead Boyle,added “Lubo has worked extremely hard for this competition, and it would be fantastic to see him win. He is a great student who always has a positive attitude, is eager to learn and always has a smile on his face. I wish Lubo all the best”.
Write a comment
Southern Regional College’s Newry campus hosted the local heat for Springboard’s FutureChef competition which saw four students from local schools compete to represent their county at the Northern Ireland finals in February 2024.
The competition is a school-based programme across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland that supports the development of key life skills whist inspiring young people to pursue an exciting career within the Hospitality Industry.
The FutureChef competition is an opportunity for students aged between 11 and 16 to showcase their culinary talents, receive useful feedback from industry experts, grow their confidence and further their career in the Hospitality Industry. Many of these students come to SRC to take part in the School Partnerships Programme.
The competition involved each student creating a main course under 60 minutes using a budget of £5.00 but this didn’t stop the students producing fantastic dishes despite the competition pressures. The four students, Lubo Mulkerns, St Paul’s High School, Alisha Sibanda, Newry High School, Sarah Moore and Beth Morrow, Banbridge Academy competed against each other to win a place at the Northern Ireland Finals.
The judging panel included Darragh Dooley, Executive Head Chef at Killeavy Castle Estate, John Clark, Head Chef at Slieve Donard, Geoff Baird, Executive Development Chef for Henderson Foodservice and Ciaran Sansome, Head Chef at the Seagoe Hotel. All four judges remarked on the exceptional talent as they had the difficult decision of choosing the winning dish from an impressive selection!
Special congratulations to Lubo Mulkerns from St Paul’s High School who was crowned the winner for his winning dish of Pulled Smoked Taco Chicken, Coriander Salsa, Asian Slaw, and Homemade Yogurt Flatbreads! Lubo will now compete in the Northern Ireland Finals on Wednesday 7th February 2024 at Belfast Metropolitan College.
Well done to all four competitors. Each student was fantastic and presented wonderful dishes under time constraints – we may have found some future local chefs!
Matt Turner, Head of Faculty for Professional Services at Southern Regional College commented “It was wonderful to attend such a prestigious event to see such an amazing array of talent with outstanding passion for the Hospitality Industry. I had the pleasure of meeting all four competitors as they produced exceptional dishes that our local restaurants would have envious of. I extend my best wishes to Lubo as he progresses to the Northern Ireland Finals in February 2024.”
Sinead Boyle, Culinary Arts Lecturer at Southern Regional College further commented “Lubo is a hard-working young man who always smiles when he is working with food. He has a positive attitude and does not shy away when something in the kitchen doesn’t go to plan! Lubo is a pleasure to teach and to mentor to the Final Heats”.
For further information go to Schools Partnership Programme
 |
 |
 |