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Newry students featured strongly in at the SRC hosted Association of Hairdressers and Therapists Regional Heat held at the SRC Armagh campus this week.
The association, founded in 1963 involves numerous members ranging from teachers, trainers and assessors of hairdressing or therapy subjects, who hold or are working towards teaching and assessing qualifications.
The AHT hosts an annual seminar for updates on skills, national standards, qualifications, education, training initiatives and manufacturers and specialist demonstrations. The student competitions are held annually at regional and national levels.
The regional competition allowed learners the opportunity to enhance their technical and employability skills, as well as test their skills under pressure in preparation to succeed within their cStudents a hosen trade. There were over 13 categories involving 128 participants from Armagh, Lurgan, Newry, Belfast Met and SERC. Impressively, there were 30 out of 42 winners for SRC.
The judging panel included representatives from across the hair and beauty industries including Robert Rousseau (Chief Advisor for Hairdressing Technology to WorldSkills International), David Bassett (UK National Judge AHT), Esther Rousseau (UK National Judge for the AHT Hair & Beauty Competitions) and our former SRC student Shannon Fearon (2021 WorldSkills UK Gold medal for Beauty Therapy).
The judging panel remarked on the unending display of creativity and the talent that was demonstrated throughout the entire competition.
A huge thank you to all who took part and well done to all the incredibly talented hairdressers, barbers, and beauty therapists. It was great to see a wide variety of individuals taking part.
Congratulations to all the winners who will now progress to the National final on Monday 23rd May in Blackpool which will be held in Norcalympia Festive Hall Norbreck Castle Hotel. Good luck to all!
AHT Regional Heat Winners 2022
Competition No. 1- Blow Dry
1st Place- Tia Algie, Belfast Met
Competition No.2- Men’s Barbering
1st Place- Martin Hillen, SRC Newry
Competition No.3- Body Painting
1st Place- Keri Woodcraft, SRC Armagh
Competition No.5- Period Make-up
1st Place – Jodie Gilpin, SRC Armagh
Competition No.9- Fantasy Hair
1st Place- Siofra Quinn, SRC Newry
Competition No.10- Ladies Evening
1st Place- Lauren Taylor, SRC Newry
Competition No.11- Face Painting
1st Place- Caitlin McManus, SERC
Competition No. 14- Bridal Hairdressing
1st Place- Molly McKee, SRC Newry
Competition No.15- Bridal Make-up
1st Place- Shaunagh Dynes, SRC Armagh
Competition No.17- AHT Skills Ladies Finish
1st Place- Katie Patterson, Belfast Met
Competition No.18- Men’s Creative Cutting
1st Place- Seanay Hughes, SRC Armagh
Competition No.21- Create an Image
1st Place- Sophie Murphy, SRC Newry
Intercollege
1st Place, SRC
2nd Place, Belfast Met
Speaking after the event Brian Doran, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College congratulated the winners “Congratulations to all winners and participants. This is a phenomenal achievement which sets our students up for success in the future. It is a real tribute to the hard work, dedication and preparation of the lecturers and students. Well done to all involved and good luck to our SRC students competing in Blackpool on Monday 23rd May 2022, we wish you all the success”.
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SRC in partnership with McGuinness Plumbing (MGP), were delighted to recently be awarded the ‘Small/Medium Enterprise Employer Award’ at the NI Apprenticeship Awards. This award acknowledges excellence and originality by employers, working with training providers, in the delivery of apprenticeship training.
MGP deliver apprenticeship training in conjunction with Southern Regional College and are firm advocates that the apprenticeship route delivers the best possible training. When starting out in 2005, the company employed their first ever apprentice, who now holds a senior role within the company. Thomas McGuinness, Managing Director of MGP and also a former apprentice at SRC, recognises how his apprenticeship at SRC was a significant building block to a successful career. In turn he provides the same opportunities for individuals wishing to enter the workforce.
Over the past 16 years, MGP have recruited 63 apprentices covering Level 2, Level 3 and more recently Higher-Level Apprenticeships. All apprentices have been vital to advancing the success and growth of MGP. Apprenticeships are taking the company to the next level, introducing new concepts to the business, and helping secure unique projects. As the economy continues to grow, SRC look forward to continuing their work with MGP and providing apprentices with opportunities locally to further develop their career.
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College said “I am absolutely delighted that Southern Regional College in partnership with McGuinness Plumbing have been awarded the Small/Medium Enterprise Award as part of the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2022. This award reflects the compelling partnership between SRC and McGuinness Plumbing and demonstrates the hard work and support by all involved. I want to pay special thanks to McGuinness Plumbing for their commitment and contribution in creating apprenticeship opportunities locally.”
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Finance Minister Conor Murphy has launched the latest Civil Service student placement scheme, offering 160 placements across government departments.
This year sees a 60% increase in the number of opportunities available for students across a range of areas including accountancy, architecture, engineering, communications, ICT, law and policy.
Launching the scheme, Minister Murphy said: “I am delighted we are able to offer students the opportunity to gain valuable experience within the Civil Service.
“This year we have over 60 extra places available, helping even more students develop skills and gain practical experience in a professional working environment. A placement in the Civil Service will enhance a student’s career prospects in whatever field of employment they want to work in.
“I hope the students who secure one of the 160 places on offer will consider the Civil Service as a career where they can make a difference to society.
“I would encourage all eligible students to consider applying and make the most of this opportunity.”
Welcoming the scheme, which will provide opportunities for students within her Department, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “My Department provides a wide range of public services and therefore has a lot to offer students who want to work and learn about essential services and the Civil Service. Students who have spent their year out in the Department have really benefitted from the experience and opportunities they gained over that time. Listening to their feedback, I know they have enjoyed their time working in the public sector and the part they have played in improving the lives of citizens.”
The scheme is open to students currently studying towards an undergraduate degree, who will have successfully completed their second year examinations by the end of the 2021/22 academic year and who have the opportunity to undertake a placement for the 2022/23 academic year.
The scheme is open for applications from Monday 7th March to noon on Friday 18th March 2021, with placements expected to start late August/early September. These are paid placements with an annual salary of £18,783 per annum.
Further information on the range of placements and details on how to apply are available at WWW.NICSRECRUITMENT.ORG.UK
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The Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry currently have vacancies for Canteen Assistants and Cleaners.
Part time positiions are available.
For further information/ to request an application form or to send your CV please email cgorman909@c2kni.net or Telephone 028 3026 4632
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Funded Pre-School places are available at St. Malachy's Nursery School Carnagat.
The school is a purpose-built nursery with 52 funded pre-school places for children aged 3-4. The Nursery School has an excellent outdoor area that boasts a sensory garden, fairy garden, willow dome, fruit and herb garden, outdoor sandpit, climbing frame and much more.
The staff in St. Malachy's Nursery School are committed to the holistic development of each individual in our care, we believe each child is unique and special, always building on their strengths and achievements ensuring they have the very best start in their educational journey.
Why not apply for your child's funded pre-school place by clicking on the link below and choose St. Malachy's Nursery School Carnagat, where children play, learn and grow together.
Apply via PUPILSERVICES.EANI.ORG.UK Closing date Friday 28 January 2022.
Any queries please contact the school on 02830 268536 and have a chat to Mrs McKinney, Principal
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Two Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School pupils are celebrating their achievement in the 2022 BT Young Scientist of the Year competition.
Year 12 pupils John Paul McGreevy from Barnmeen and Ben Mooney from Saval took the BT- Northern Ireland Best Project Award for their Social and Behavioural Sciences project entitled 'Is caffeine necessary? An examination regarding whether neuromuscular/ mental tiredness is a state of mind.' Their project also took third place in the Social and Behavioural intermediate Group.
This years exhibition took part online and the pair gave a very confident presentation analysing the efects of caffine on the human brain.
Both pupils were congratulated by school Principal Sean Sloan and their Science Teacher Sarah Kee.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition can be the experience of a lifetime for the students and teachers who take part and indeed many individuals have went on to become very very wealthy indeed. Patrick Collison took the Young Scientist title in 2005 and along with his brother John they are now worth an estimated €10bn each following their founding of the Stripe payment platform.
Designed to raise schools’ engagement in the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), the Exhibition calls upon students aged 12-19 years from all over the island of Ireland to showcase innovative science and technology project.
Check out their presentation at VIMEO.COM
Learn more at WWW.BTYOUNGSCIENTIST.COM
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Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today launched a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, with 12 training places.
Successful applicants to the Academy will receive industry-standard welding training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential welding roles with companies in Craigavon, Armagh, Newry and Lisburn.
Welcoming the Academy, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am pleased to announce this collaborative Assured Skills Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, the fourth at the college this financial year.
“Businesses in the local engineering and fabrication sectors are continually seeking new people with these specialist skills. This collaborative approach at Southern Regional College will enable participants to gain valuable skills and, on successful completion, receive a Level 2 City & Guilds welding qualification which will give them a great opportunity to pursue a rewarding career."
Participating companies
“With no previous experience in welding required and £155 per week training allowance provided to participants on the Academy, I urge anyone who is interested to apply.”
The pre-employment Academy consists of a five-week intensive training course at SRC’s Portadown campus during which participants will study a Level 2 City and Guilds Award in MIG Welding Skills, followed by two weeks of consolidation training with one of five participating companies.
Following completion of the training, participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of the participating companies.
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: “SRC is delighted to be working in partnership with DfE and a range of local employers to offer this fantastic opportunity for people to learn the skills needed to start a rewarding career in welding. We are pleased to partner with five local manufacturing/engineering businesses who will provide real-world training consolidation and experience to participants on this upcoming Academy, with the guarantee of a job interview for those who complete the course.”
It is planned to deliver the Academy over the following dates:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Monday 21 February 2022 and eligible to work in the UK.
This opportunity is not open to anyone currently employed within the manufacturing and engineering sector.
Applications are open until noon on Friday 4 February 2022.
For more information and to apply, visit ASSURED-SKILLS
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Southern Regional College have been working with women across the southern region, providing the opportunity for them to boost their confidence, meet like-minded women, learn new skills and crucially obtain relevant industry experience and a level 3 qualification in business administration.
The ‘Women Returners’ programme is completely free for participants, funded through the Department for the Economy’s ‘Skill Up - Flexible Skills Fund Programme’. Women signing up to the programme also receive a weekly training allowance of £150 and part finance for childcare costs for the duration of the course.
Currently participating on the programme is Martina Comiskey from Armagh. She said “I am thoroughly enjoying the Women Returners programme at SRC. After being at home for several years, I was apprehensive about returning to learning and work. However, I have quickly settled in and the programme has boosted my confidence and provided me with the skills and knowledge required for returning to the workplace.”
Joanne Park from Rathfriland is also one of the women participating on the first programme. Joanne said “The Women Returners programme has been the ideal route for me to get back into the world of work. The lecturers are supportive and integrate a range of business knowledge and IT skills to all classes. Before starting this course, I was daunted by the prospect of returning to work but now I am excited by the opportunities which this has opened for me”.
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement at SRC said “We are delighted to be able to offer another Women Returners programme through the Skill Up – Flexible Skills Fund. There was high demand for our first Women Returners programme which is currently running at our Newry campus and there has been significant interest from local employers to provide placement opportunities. We are delighted to be able to extend this opportunity further to women and businesses in the southern area.”
Skill Up was established to help upskill and reskill individuals to meet the needs of the economy as we emerge from the pandemic and continue to grow the economy beyond it. The Skill Up Flexible Skills programme offers the opportunity for participants to gain recognised qualifications, free of charge, in a wide variety of subject areas. The Women Returners programme is one of these courses.
SRC is delighted to be offering a second free Women Returners programme in the new year to meet the demands of women and businesses in the Newry, Mourne & Down and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council areas.
The programme will run for 13 weeks, Monday to Friday from 9.30am – 1pm, commencing on Monday 17th January. A 6-week work placement will follow. The new year programme will be offered on the College’s Banbridge campus.
Interested women can apply directly via SRC’s website on WWW.SRC.AC.UK or can email skillup@src.ac.uk for further information.
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Earlier this year, Marilyn Warren, a lecturer at Southern Regional College, was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for her Services to Education and Children. Unfortunately, due to covid restrictions, Marilyn was unable to receive her prestigious award at that time.
On 8 December Marilyn was delighted to attend Windsor Castle and be presented with her MBE from Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne.
Marilyn, who is from Tandragee and lectures within the Faculty of Health and Science, deserves special recognition for this award. Her dedication, outstanding commitment, and services within the field of education is a testament to herself.
She is no stranger to awards as in 2019, Marilyn was awarded the prestigious Lions Award for Lecturer of the Year as part of the annual City & Guilds Medals for Excellence programme and in 2018, received a coveted Medal of Excellence for not only being a champion for learning, but for her ‘enthusiasm and outstanding subject knowledge’.
Brian Doran, Chief Executive at Southern Regional College said “I am absolutely thrilled that Marilyn has finally received an MBE for her services to education and children. Marilyn has dedicated her life to teaching others and her career has spanned 43 years working across all levels of education from primary to higher education. She is a member of staff whose enthusiasm and passion for her area of expertise is infectious and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students. On behalf of the College’s senior management team, Chairman and Governors, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Marilyn.”
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