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The Marketing and Communications Team at Southern Regional College has won the WorldSkills UK Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Award – Social Media Campaign of the Year 2019 at its inaugural ceremony held at the NEC in Birmingham. WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Coca-Cola European Partners launched these awards to honour and celebrate individuals and organisations who are championing diversity and inclusion within their organisations and the technical education sector.
Following the shortlisting process, Southern Regional College was one of three finalists which included Hexagol Sports UK Ltd. and HS2 (High Speed 2), a new 345-mile rail network that will connect London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
The award, sponsored by Toyota Manufacturing UK Ltd., was based on Southern Regional College’s social media campaign which focused on promoting women in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Construction sectors.
Brian Doran, Chief Executive at Southern Regional College said “I am delighted that the knowledge and expertise of the College’s Marketing and Communications Team has been recognised at a UK wide level as it recognises both their, and the College’s, outstanding commitment to promoting and supporting diverse and inclusive practices. I am proud of our staff who continually go above and beyond in their support of young people from a range of backgrounds and champion difference and inclusivity in the further education sector.”
The awards were introduced by WorldSkills UK Chief Executive Neil Bentley-Gockmann, who said “People talk about diversity and inclusion not as an event, but a progress. When I first joined WorldSkills four years ago, I said we needed to do a lot more work strengthening our processes and our work on diversity and inclusion. We need to ensure we are pulling on the best talent to ensure we are fully inclusive in everything we do.”
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Southern Regional College’s Engineering Innovation & Technology Specialist James Donnelly was recently awarded with a ‘Project Exemplar’ award for his contribution to a FUSION project with O’Reilly Concrete. James was presented with his award at a ceremony in the Ballymascanlon House Hotel.
The FUSION programme, funded through InterTrade Ireland involves a three-way partnership between a company with a development need, a graduate who can deliver the solution and an academic who can offer additional expertise to support the project. This collaboration involved O’Reilly Concrete, Graduate, Guruprasad Bhat and James Donnelly as academic support.
The objective of the project was to design and develop innovative modular style precast concrete structures for the construction of domestic homes. The precast house developed can be erected in a number of days offering developers, building contractors, architects and local authorities a viable, cost effective, structural solution.
InterTrade Ireland through the ‘Project Exemplar’ award recognised the success of the project and benefits accrued for the three partners involved. Project Exemplars are judged to be the best Fusion projects in terms of high level innovation and overall contribution the companies make to the economy, North and South.
The FUSION programme supports strategic development and innovation within companies where there is a technology/product development focus, by helping to fund a high calibre graduate as well as enabling them to tap into the expertise available in third level institutions. The programme has a cross border focus whereby the company and academic institution must reside on either side of the Irish border.
If you are interested in finding out more about the FUSION programme contact a member of the Business Support & Innovation Team on 028 3839 7778 or alternatively email betterbusiness@src.ac.uk
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From mouth-watering starters to delicious desserts, Southern Regional College certainly rose to the culinary challenge recently as they hosted a ‘Cook Off’ challenge event in their Graduate Restaurant (Newry East Campus) which saw members of the College’s Senior Management Team compete against each other to claim crowning glory!
The evening was attended by over 100 local hospitality and tourism businesses and organisations, school principals and council representatives from the Newry, Mourne and Down District and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The challenge event saw the competing teams produce and serve a 4-course menu made from locally sourced ingredients.
The winning team was led by Brian Doran (SRC Chief Executive) and included Emma Marmion (Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade President) and Lynnette McMath (SRC Level 3 Professional Cookery Lecturer). The opposing team had Raymond Sloan (SRC Director for Client Services) at the helm and included Beverley Harrison (Further Education Director, Department for the Economy) and Adrian Fitzpatrick (SRC Level 3 Professional Cookery Lecturer).
Compered by Kevin McAllister from Downtown Radio, the event aimed to heighten awareness of the hospitality sector as a professional career pathway with work-life balances and excellent progression opportunities.
Opening the event, Michelle McCarthy, SRC Curriculum Area Manager Hospitality and Tourism, said;
“We are delighted to welcome our guests this evening from the areas of business, hospitality, tourism, education and government to witness this culinary team challenge which is sure to reveal passions for the culinary arts as well as impress you with the fruits of their labour!”
She went on to say;
“As a College, this passion also permeates through to our extensive course and apprenticeship provision, our proven excellence in supporting ambition and our industry-leading training facilities. All of this supports our vision to further expand our enviable links and collaboration with businesses who themselves also remain committed to quality, growth and recognition for the hard work that they do.”
Michelle went on to highlight the success of the College’s Professional Restaurant Ready programme aimed at upskilling people already working within the industry as well as the launch of their new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Tourism with Specialisms this September.
Mr. Norman McBride, General Manager at the Hastings Ballygally Castle Hotel, also spoke at the event and endorsed the range of SRC courses and apprenticeship opportunities within the hospitality and tourism industry and stressed an increased collaboration between colleges and industry.
On the evening, money was also raised for the College’s nominated charity, Air Ambulance NI.
If you would like to find out more about the range of hospitality and tourism opportunities at Southern Regional College, please contact FacultyPRSE@src.ac.uk
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The Southern Regional College has hosted its Fifth Annual ICAS Conference entitled ‘Human Universals’
College students from the AB English and History course successfully held the fifth annual Interdisciplinary Conference in Arts and Sciences (ICAS) at the College’s Newry campus on Saturday 1 March which saw over 100 delegates attend.
The two-day conference welcomed speakers from a wide range of disciplines ranging from the subject of archaeology to psychology, political philosophy, anthropology and anything else that connects us as a species.
Distinguished speakers included Patrick Hogan, distinguished Professor of English at the University of Connecticut. He is an editor of the University of Connecticut’s Literary Universals Project which provides an outlet for research and dialogue on cross-cultural patterns in literature. He is also the author of Literature and Emotion (Routledge: 2018) and Personal Identity and Literature (Routledge: 2019).
The conference also hosted keynote speaker, Professor Oswaldo Chinchilla Mazariegos, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Archaeology at Yale University. Professor Chinchilla Mazariegos specialises in the complex societies of ancient Mesoamerica and is the author of Art and Myth of the Ancient Maya (Yale University Press: 2017) and Imágenes de la Mitología Maya (Universidad Francisco Marroquín: 2011).
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Liz Finnigan, SRC Course Director said “We are delighted to host this conference for its fifth consecutive year and the theme of ‘Human Universals’ will be discussed from a range of subject disciplines. We are very fortunate to have a number speakers appear this year from our own NI universities to international universities such as Yale, Connecticut and Minnesota. The staff and students alike are looking forward to an informative and engaging weekend of talks.”
If you would like to find out more about the History and English degree course at SRC, please contact Dr. Finnigan on finniganl@src.ac.uk
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Southern Regional College had a record turn-out at the Big Apprenticeship Event at its Newry Campus this week. The event was part of the inaugural Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2020 (3-7 February) an initiative being spearheaded by the Department for the Economy.
Leading employers, within the Southern Regional College area, attended SRC to discuss the apprenticeship Level 2/Level 3 and Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) opportunities available in a wide range of areas. Applicants and students leaving school in June with GCSEs and A-Levels/Level 3 courses had the chance to talk to employers about apprenticeship opportunities starting from September 2020.
Dr Lillian Cromie – Norbrook Director of Science and Qualified Persons, Fiona Bradley – SRC Assistant Director of Curriculum, Emma Marmion - Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade President, Brian Doran – SRC Chief Executive, Cllr Charlie Casey – Chairperson Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Elizabeth O’Connor – MJM HR and Legal Director.
.Mr Brian Doran, SRC Chief Executive commented “The new apprenticeship system that has evolved over recent years, provides exciting opportunities for young people to take up employment in a growing range of priority areas from Level 2 through to degree level apprenticeships. The knowledge and skills that underpin the new apprenticeships have been developed in conjunction with employers, thus ensuring that they are relevant for employment and future progression. Apprenticeships are being used by more and more employers as an important tool to educate and train the workforce of the future in conjunction with Southern Regional College. I would encourage every young person who will be leaving school this year to consider the apprenticeship route. The Higher Level Apprenticeship qualification is a real alternative to the traditional academic pathway of A-Levels followed by university.”
Mark Smith is currently studying the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Accountancy at SRC and is employed with the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. He joined the HLA programme as a mature student, having moved home from England and keen to pursue a new career. Mark had advice for those who are finishing their Level 3 qualification;
“It’s easy to get caught up in going to university because all of your mates are doing it and the future seems a million years away. However, if I had the choice to do this course when I was leaving school, I would have picked it in a heartbeat.”
He continued “What I learned from looking for jobs is that experience in the workplace is priceless. It’s a very competitive job market out there and not everyone is willing to hire someone with no experience, no matter how good your grades are. The apprenticeship is debt free for the student - you actually get paid for doing it and at the end of 2 years you have a very employable qualification and work experience.”
Opportunities are available in the Agri-food, Drink Manufacturing and Hospitality Sector, Business and Services, Construction, Engineering, Motor Vehicle and Sciences.
For further information on the apprenticeship opportunities available at SRC, visit www.src.ac.uk or Tel: 0300 123 1223.
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WorldSkills UK, the education and skills charity, has announced that Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, with campuses in counties Armagh and Down in Northern Ireland, has joined its Board of Trustees.
The announcement comes as WorldSkills UK celebrated the unveiling of Squad UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2021, 16 of whom are from Northern Ireland. The members of Squad UK have now joined the WorldSkills UK Talent Development Programme with the aim of representing the UK at the WorldSkills event, known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, next year in China.
Mr Doran has been Principal and Chief Executive at Southern Regional College since the formation of the College in 2008. He previously held the position of Deputy Director for Teaching and Learning at the Newry and Kilkeel Institute. Under his leadership, Southern Regional College has consistently been the top performing Northern Irish college in the WorldSkills UK Competitions.
Rooney Anand, Chair, WorldSkills UK Board said: “I am delighted to welcome Brian to the board. He brings a wealth of experience having worked closely with the business, education and training sectors across Northern Ireland and I look forward to working closely with him to drive forward the work of WorldSkills UK as we look to use our international insights to mainstream excellence and drive up standards in training so more young people, employers and the economy succeed.”
In addition to his role as a Trustee for WorldSkills UK, Mr Doran will chair the Northern Ireland Skills Champions Group which has responsibility to engage and co-ordinate the involvement of colleges and training providers across Northern Ireland in WorldSkills UK Competitions.
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive said: “Northern Ireland Colleges and training providers are constantly amongst the top performers in WorldSkills UK’s Competitions and young people from Northern Ireland consistently achieve the world-class benchmark when they compete at the international WorldSkills Competitions. I look forward to help building on this success in my role as trustee and supporting the organisation as it looks to further harness the impact of its work to help deliver more world-class outcomes across the UK skills systems.”
Mr Doran’s appointment comes as Marie-Thérèse McGivern, who is due to retire from her role as Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Metropolitan College in March this year, steps down as a WorldSkills UK trustee.
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SRC students have taken part in Southern Regional College’s annual Inter-Campus Skillbuild Competition. There were over 30 separate competitions held showcasing the skills of SRC students.
The Inter-Campus competition, held at SRC’s Greenbank Campus, was the first stage of the renowned SkillBuild Competition, and drew together students from all campuses of SRC. The SkillBuild competition is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for young students and apprentices. It covers crafts including carpentry, joinery, beauty, bricklaying, hairdressing and plastering.
Patrick Walsh from Crossmaglen won Gold in the Plastering competition. Cailim McNamee won Silver in Brickwork and Conall Matthews from Newry won Bronze in the same competition. Shea Rooney from Newry took Bronze in the Cabinet Making category and Jack Murray won Bronze in Electrical Installation. Cailum Cromie won Bronze in Plastering and Tony Kane from Newry won Silver in Tiling.
There was also an event for students from the local high schools. Over 100 students from over 20 schools took part in 16 events in crafts such as carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, hairdressing and catering. The competitors came from schools across the Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry Area Learning Communities. The students attend the College as part of the School Partnership’s Programme where pupils from local schools attend SRC to study a range of vocational and academic programmes.
In the schools competition, St Paul’s Bessbrook pupil Conor O’Rourke took Silver in Plastering and fellow St Paul’s student Louise McShane won Silver in Beauty Makeup. The local success continued with St Paul’s student Rebecca Joyce winning Bronze in Hairdressing Blowdry Techniques.
To find out more about Southern Regional College courses, please come along to one of our Open Days taking place in early March, for more information visit www.src.ac.uk
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Local business Martin McGinn & Sons have sponsored a new Road Safety & Anti-bullying booklet for local primary schools in the Rostrevor & Killowen region.
The family run Coal & Home Heating Oil firm based in Rostrevor, Co Down, have delivered hundreds of Road Safety, Anti Bullying & Internet Safety booklets printed by the Safety Guide Foundation to St Bronagh’s Primary School, Kilbroney Integrated PS and Killowen Primary School this week.
Pascal McGinn, Director Martin McGinn & Sons said: “We were approached to support this scheme and sponsor the production of the booklets. As my own children, my nieces and nephews attend schools here locally we felt it had value as a community initiative so we were happy to be able to support it.”
The Bullying, Victim or Bully? Booklet includes contributions from Social Workers, teachers, parents and children and opens up conversations around the negative effects bullying, empathy for others, how to identify ‘bullying’ behaviour.
There’s also a Road Safety booklet and Staying Safe Online guide.
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SRC Higher Level Apprentice Graduate, Jill Saunders has recently been awarded a British Education Award (BEA) at a prestigious ceremony in Manchester.
Seventy finalists travelled across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and with their families, mingled with celebrities, educators and politicians, eager to hear the winners of the BEA 2020 announced.
Jill completed the Foundation Degree in Applied Industrial Science - Higher Level Apprenticeship programme at Southern Regional College where she worked four days per week in Norbrook Laboratories and studied at the College’s Newry Campus, one day per week.
Working as a Method Development and Validations Analyst within the Research and Development Department for two years at Norbrook, she acquired an indepth understanding of the scientific techniques used within veterinary drug product development and analysis. She became very proficient in the use of analytical equipment and methods, data analysis, results reporting and presenting.
Jill then successfully progressed to Ulster University to complete a BSc in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences achieving a 1st classification and is now settling into full-time employment with Norbrook where she has been promoted to a senior analyst position.
Now in its fourth year, British Education Awards recognises the outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements of students across six award categories including GCSE or Scottish National 5, A Level or Scottish Advanced Higher, Vocational, Degree and Degree Apprenticeship.
Finalists stood out for the extra measures they take to advance their learning, frequently undertaking additional study and summer work placements to achieve their goals. They also impressed judges with their dedication to mentoring and supporting fellow students and younger pupils through peer study groups, after school clubs and societies.
Air Products Community & STEM Ambassador UK & Ireland Lynn Willacy said “It’s so important that young people are recognized for achievements in their education. What we love about these awards is that the students are celebrating with their families, seeing the reactions of proud parents sat next to them as they get their awards is phenomenal.”
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