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
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
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.”
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”.
Staff and students from he Southern Regional College have congratulated student Katrina Magee who took part in the 2022 Ulster Special Olympics Advancement Equestrian back in March.
Katrina was awarded 2nd place in English Equestrian and 3rd place in Equestrian walking trials.
Katrina is currently studying Level 2 Vocational Studies in Hospitality and enjoys increasing her knowledge and skills. She holds a strong passion for sport and is a member of the special Olympic, Ulster golf and swimming teams.
Katrina is an asset to SRC and a great role model. Her determination, hard work and motivation is inspiring. We would like to congratulate Katrina and wish her all the best in future competitions. We look forward to continuing to hear of Katrina’s success.
Dromintee student Patrick Roe is one of three Ulster University students who have received scholarships from Choice Housing, one of the largest independent housing associations in Northern Ireland. The ‘Choice Scholarship’, in partnership with Ulster University, provides much needed support to those who face financial, social, and logistical barriers to furthering their education.
Speaking about the opportunities the scholarship has created Roe, BSc Hons Computer Science, said “This scholarship has allowed me to invest more into my education as I was able to purchase IT equipment to assist with my studies. Having this will benefit me massively, and the Choice Scholarship has made that possible which means the world to me.
"I am thoroughly enjoying computer science as it has helped me further develop my problem-solving skills, my favourite aspect being programming as it is the most rewarding for me. In the future, I hope to work in a tech firm within the programming department.
"I have always been interested in new and emerging technologies and with our world becoming more and more digitised, a career in tech will bring benefits in the advancement of society.”
Since its launch in 2019, 12 students have received support by the scheme, which will support up to fifteen students over a five-year period. The partnership is aimed at encouraging those who are less likely to progress to higher education and will also contribute towards creating a fairer society and supporting economic growth.
This year, three First Year Students have been selected to receive the Choice Scholarship. The undergraduate students who met widening access and participation criteria established by Ulster University were each awarded prizes of £1,000.
Speaking about the ‘Choice Scholarships’, Michael McDonnell, Group CEO at Choice said “We are delighted to be continuing this important partnership with Ulster University at this crucial time for young people in higher education. As part of our commitment to local communities, we are investing in and developing thriving communities, using housing as a foundation for transforming people’s lives. This commitment goes beyond the provision of housing, identifying the wider need of people and the positive impact they can have in their local communities.
“We hope that through these awards, Choice can help the individual recipients to succeed in the future and empower them on their journey through higher education during incredibly challenging times.”
Karen Delgado, Head of Corporate Engagement at Ulster University said “For many, the biggest barrier to accessing Higher Education is a financial one. Not everyone has the same opportunities in life and the COVID pandemic has further heightened this disparity in personal circumstances often meaning that no matter how able someone is, or how much they want to learn and develop, they simply aren’t able to access or undertake a degree qualification. Without scholarship support their talent, insight and potential as a future employee, problem solver, leader and employer may never be realised and this inequality of progression to Higher Education will impact the diversity of Northern Ireland’s future workforce.
“We are very grateful for Choice’s continued support which has made a life changing impact on many students, supporting them to complete a degree at Ulster University, learn new things, meet new people and kick start their career. “
Jordan Mark, a former SRC student from Rathfriland has returned to SRC and commenced employment as a full-time joinery lecturer, at Greenbank Campus.
Jordan first attended SRC as part of school partnership programme (SPP) while he was studying at Rathfriland High School.
As part of the SPP programme, Jordan studied Joinery and Tiling but within a few weeks of the course, he knew Joinery was the perfect fit. At the end of the two years, Jordan was awarded ‘Best in School’ and ‘Best in Subject’ at the SPP awards due to the magnificent talent and skills he displayed throughout the course. Following his success, he continued his education at SRC and enrolled for the NVQ Level 2 certificate in Joinery. He continued to be an excelling student and added to his trophy collection by successfully qualifying in the Regional and National WorldSkills finals.
Since then, Jordan has spent time working in London and has been employed by companies such as Annett and Ingram Construction and 3 Interiors. Jordan is returning to SRC with a wealth of experience and knowledge from the industry and hopes to share the knowledge, skills and experience that he has developed to current and future students and in turn help them experience the same success that he has.
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive at Southern Regional College said “I am delighted to welcome Jordan Mark back to Southern Regional College as a member of our lecturing team. Jordan’s enthusiasm and passion for carpentry and joinery was evident from his time as an apprentice and when he competed at WorldSkills UK. I have no doubt that Jordan will inspire our students to follow his path to success. I wish Jordan all the best in his new role within the College”.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced it is hosting a pilot careers inspiration event for over 700 Year 9 pupils on Thursday 9 June 2022 in Newry Leisure Centre.
The event, 4C UR Future LIVEwill be delivered by local social enterprise, 4C UR Future, an industry-led Community Interest Company founded by business leader Rose Mary Stalker. The company works collaboratively with a wide range of employers from key sectors in Northern Ireland to empower young people to make more informed education and career choices.
The 4C UR Future LIVEevent will be a fun, fast-paced, action-packed day of interactive skills games and work-based challenges. Each game will be co-created and delivered by local employers, providing Year 9 students with an insight into the future world of work, while helping them to identify their own strengths and talents.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason welcomed the delivery of the 4C UR Future Event saying, “There has been an overwhelming interest from local schools to participate in this interactive skills-based event, to engage students in career inspiring activities. We are delighted that over 700 year 9 students will be participating.”
Cllr Mason continued, “The event is open to all schools within our district and the support and engagement of our local employers in skills-based events like this will be key to developing our local and future talent. I would encourage any employers interested in getting involved to speak to a member of our Businesses Development team.”
To further support these LIVEevents, 4C UR Future are launching a new Careers Portal in September 2022 which will be available for all pupils and schools to use. This bespoke and employer-led digital platform will provide young people with a go-to resource for impartial and up-to-date careers information.
4C UR Future Managing Director, Rachel Doherty, said, “With the support ofNewry, Mourne and Down District Council, we are delighted to be holding a pilot 4C UR Future LIVEevent at Newry Leisure Centre in June. Over 50 employers are involved in delivering 4C UR Future LIVE2022 and we’re mobilising almost 300 ‘Career Heroes’ from our volunteer community to deliver and facilitate LIVEevents across the province. We welcome more local employers to reach out and get involved in these game-changing events.”
Ms. Doherty continued, “The world of work is changing rapidly with new jobs, and even entirely new sectors, emerging. This has resulted in a complex careers landscape that can make choosing GCSE subjects, further education pathways, and future career options overwhelming, confusing, and stressful for our young people.
Through 4C UR Future LIVEevents and our first-generation Careers Portal, which is launching in September, we aim to keep young people informed about the wide range of opportunities available to them, to help them navigate the complex careers landscape, and inspire them to achieve their ambitions and become the best version of themselves.”
A new initiative by Southern Regional College to help address the skills shortage in the Software Sector has been launched.
The ‘NextGen Coders’ project based in its state-of-the-art Banbridge Campus aims to help address this imbalance by increasing the number of young people opting to undertake suitable programme of study at GCSE level through the degree level in computer science and software development.
A recent study conducted by Invest NI, has outlined the significant lack of skills in coding, so much so that the software industry will suffer from a undersupply of people with software skills to support the growth of the IT sector in Northern Ireland.
Stephen Rogan, Head of Faculty for Computing, Design & Academic Studies said at the launch “We aim to work with local schools to support the delivery of relevant software related curriculum at both GCSE and A Level. Working with the Further Education Sector IT Curriculum HUB, the outcomes of this pilot programme at Southern Regional College will be rolled out across the other five regional colleges”.
“Within the project, there are several strands aimed at tackling the lack of graduates with software coding skills. These include a series of coding and information workshops, the delivery of GCSE Digital Technology (programming route) and offering the AS/A-Level in Systems Software Development to local secondary schools within the four ‘Area Learning Communities’ in the Southern region”.
This initiative is being delivered jointly with the software sector who will be involved in several areas from hosting master workshops, supporting work placement, to providing information and guidance on career opportunities and progression opportunities in local Universities and Colleges.
The College will be offering the GCSE in Digital Technology to any young person entering key stage 4 next year. The GCSE is being offered free of charge in conjunction with the Area Learning Communities in Newry, Banbridge, Armagh and Portadown.
To find out more about NextGen Coders and register your interest please contact Stephen Rogan email: rogans@src.ac.uk