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The Bank of England Governor of visited the Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry last week to speak to students from local schools.
Andrew Bailey spoke to A-Level students from a number of local schools about finance on the global stage. Bailey spoke briefly about the work of the Bank of England before taking questions from the students for forty five minutes.
Topics covered included crop failures, quantitative easing, the War in Ukraine, student rent prices and Artificial Intelligence The Governor truly brought the world of international finance to life.
Pupils all agreed it was an enlightening and engaging session for those in attendance.
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A group of twenty talented students from Southern Regional College are on their way to showcase their skills at WorldSkills UK, a prestigious technical skills competition that is often called the ‘Skills Olympics’. The students will face their peers from all over the UK in a variety of specialist skill areas, ranging from bricklaying to forensic science and joinery & cabinet making.
To make it to WorldSkills UK competition, fourteen of the selected students were successful in regional competitions held across Northern Ireland. These students will now head to Manchester from 14th - 17th November to compete in the national competition.
Six students competing in the SkillBuild National Final (construction areas) will instead compete in Milton Keynes from 21st to 23rd November. These students were also required to be top achievers in their chosen areas in the SkillBuild regional finals held earlier this year. Final results are expected to be announced on the last day of each competition.
SRC has high hopes for its students this year after being attributed with the title “Number One College in the UK” in 2022. Students have been in training for the past several months, often undertaking additional training to ensure their skills are sharpened going into the national competition.
Local students from the Newry area include Hannah Hillis from Poyntzpass, Jason McVerry from Belleeks and Marcus McKay from Newry City.
Hannah is competing with the Health and Social Care category. Despite only being 17 years old Hannah is mature beyond her years, having taken up a position in Brooklands Nursing Home in 2022. Hannah is taking what she has learnt from the regional competition and improving upon her skillset to be ready to take on competitors at the national competition. So why did Hannah choose to undertake a course in Health and Social Care? Hannah says;
“Just seeing the impact I can make in someone's life felt really fulfilling and rewarding and I knew instantly that health and social care was what I wanted to pursue.”
Mechatronics student Jason McVerry will team up with another student to build an automated process. The competition will test his understanding of logic circuits, design and fault-finding skills in a challenging environment. Jason previously participated in Worldskills UK back in 2022, winning a bronze medal. In this year’s competition he is hopeful that he will improve on his prior year performance.
Similarly, hospitality student Marcus McKay will be expected to showcase his talent focusing on all the essential requirements for embarking on a career within the hospitality industry.
Lindsay Bronte, Development Manager at Southern Regional College commented "The selection of numerous students from SRC for the WorldSkills UK competition is truly a remarkable feat. This competition serves as a platform for students to exhibit not only their technical prowess but also invaluable soft skills, ranging from critical thinking to effective time management. Undoubtedly, participating in this competition will significantly enhance their career prospects, as they have consistently showcased their competence and expertise to their tutors and judges during the regional competitions. I extend my best wishes to all our competitors; regardless of the outcome, they have brought immense pride to both themselves and SRC."
Raymond Sloan, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented “I am immensely proud of our exceptional students who will be representing Southern Regional College and Northern Ireland at the upcoming WorldSkills UK finals. These remarkable individuals have showcased their unwavering dedication, remarkable talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. They exemplify the spirit of our College, embodying the values of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration. I have no doubt that they will achieve great results during the competition, showcasing the exceptional skills and knowledge they have acquired during their time with us. Their commitment to honing their craft and their ability to rise to the challenge is a testament to the transformative power of education. I wish them every success in this prestigious competition, and I am confident that they will not only make our college proud but also inspire others with their remarkable achievements”.
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Throughout 2023 the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) has been working with post primary schools across Northern Ireland on their campaign Build Your Career – a future in construction, which aims to showcase the options and pathways into the construction industry.
Recently CITB NI partnered with W5, with support from Cool FM, to talk to Year 10 students about the construction industry as well as the range of job options and qualifications required. School students heard about construction careers, some interesting facts and had the opportunity to try out construction activities from Newry based MJM Marine.
CITB NI plan similar events with W5 in 2024 aimed at higher level students. For further information on a career in construction, for students and schools, visit https://www.citbni.org.uk
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Following a tense week of competitions, Southern Regional College has been named as the best performing College in the UK for the second consecutive year at the WorldSkills UK competition. The College topped the leaderboard in both points awarded and for the highest number of medals won.
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented "I am thrilled to announce that Southern Regional College, for the second year running, has soared to the top of the WorldSkills UK leader board, both for the number of points achieved and for the number of medals achieved. This is a testament to the unparalleled dedication and exceptional talents of our students and staff. Through their relentless pursuit of excellence, Team SRC has not only secured the top spot but also earned the highest number of medals. This outstanding achievement reflects the transformative learning environment at Southern Regional College, where innovation, skills development, and teaching excellence converge to shape the employees, leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. As an entire college community, we take pride in this momentous accomplishment, celebrating the hard work and commitment of everyone who studies and works at Southern Regional College”.
SRC students competed across multiple venues in the Greater Manchester area, with results being announced on Friday evening in a glittering awards ceremony held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, hosted by presenter Edith Bowman.
In a livestreamed ceremony, competitors from the College were revealed as winning the most medals, bringing home twelve medals in total; five gold, three silver and four bronze. Following these outstanding results, the College is able to lead with the title “Best in the UK” for the second consecutive year.
WorldSkills UK is a partnership between education providers, industry and the UK government to champion skill sets and raise industry standards. The competition celebrates the best of young talent and even provides young people with the opportunity to progress to European and WorldSkills competition series.
Students have been undertaking intense training for months prior to the event, taking on additional study and practice sessions under the guidance of the College’s committed lecturing staff. Their commitment and dedication to the competition has been rewarded with an amazing medal tally at this year’s competition. Students showcased their technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills, to excel in their chosen field.
Students from the local area with medal winning performances include:
Winning students and their employers
|
Name |
Hometown |
Competition |
Medal |
Employer |
|
Rebecca Liggett |
Dungannon |
Laboratory Technician |
Gold |
Almac |
|
Ross Graham |
Banbridge |
Automation |
Gold |
Regen Robotics |
|
Mykenzie Cartmill |
Armagh |
Beauty Therapy Practitioner |
Gold |
Belle Beauty |
|
Oisin McKerr |
Lurgan |
Automotive Refinishing |
Gold |
Porters Body Shop |
|
Carter McKnight |
Moira |
Automation |
Gold |
Randox |
|
Hannah Hillis |
Poyntzpass, Newry |
Health and Social Care |
Silver |
Conway Health Care (Brooklands Nursing home) |
|
Sean Treanor |
Tallavard, Co. Monaghan |
Automation |
Silver |
Norbrook Laboratories |
|
Neil King |
Warrenpoint, Newry |
Automation |
Silver |
Norbrook Laboratories |
|
Annabelle Hughes |
Loughgall, Armagh |
Culinary Arts |
Bronze |
Ghan House, Carlingford |
|
John Doherty |
Portadown |
Mechatronics |
Bronze |
Concrete Batching Systems |
|
Jason McVerry |
Belleeks, Newry |
Mechatronics |
Bronze |
Red Rock Machinery |
|
Conor McDonnell |
Armagh |
Electrical Installation |
Bronze |
W. Nesbit Electrical |
Lindsay Bronte, Organisation Manager at Southern Regional College commented “What an unbelievable performance by team SRC that follows months of hard work and dedication by the students and staff alike. I applaud students and staff for their commitment to excellence. Competing is a fantastic achievement for the students, but to see our team return home with 12 medals and be recognised at UK level for their skills and dedication is incredible. Well done to all involved.”
Following this tremendous success at WorldSkills, the College is eagerly awaiting results from the SkillBuild competition running from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 22 November in Milton Keynes.
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Three students from the Southern Regional College have received medals at this years SkillBuild National Final.
It comes after more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats. The 3 construction students were named as medallists at this year’s SkillBuild Final. Last week, 16 top construction trainees from across Northern Ireland’s College’s, which included 6 SRC students, travelled to the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes to undertake three intense days of competition.
From Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 November, competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tested the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure within strict timelines. All whilst adhering to health and safety protocols.
Students from SRC picking up medals include:
Other SRC students competing within the SkillBuild National Finals in Milton Keynes include Niall Rice, from Castlewellan who competed in the Bricklaying category; Erin McKnight from Belfast, competing in the Painting & Decorating category alongside Jacqui Hawthorne, and Conor Branniff from Portaferry, Newtownards. Conor competed in the Wall & Floor Tiling Category alongside classmate Patryk Niedoba. Conor experienced success this year having been named as Northern Ireland’s top apprentice at the Department for the Economy 2023 Apprenticeship Awards and picking up 1st place in the regional finals.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.
CITB’s latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that an extra 4,450 workers will be required to meet NI construction demand by 2027. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter common misconceptions of the industry and promote the diverse range of roles available. CITB NI host the SkillBuild NI Regional Final annually in partnership with one of the local colleges and it is an important event for competitors, supported by colleges, their trainers/lecturers and local sponsors.
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “These results from the 2023 SkillBuild National Finals in Milton Keynes round off an exceptional period of success by SRC students. Our students have shown time after time, their perseverance in honing their craft and their commitment to success. To make it to the National Finals is testament to the dedication of both our students and their lecturers who have passed on a wealth of knowledge. I congratulate all students for another truly marvellous achievement.”
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Schools from the Carlingford catchment area filled a packed Newry Town Hall to mark the return of Loughs Agency’s Water Warriors event.
Hosted by the dynamic Mark ‘The Science Guy’ Langtry, Water Warriors was full of non-stop education and entertainment in equal measures. From fantastically fun scientific experiments, to engaging onstage competitions featuring pupils and teachers from local schools within the Carlingford catchment area, Water Warriors had everyone in the auditorium on their feet with excitement.
Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, said: “Loughs Agency is delighted to welcome the return of the fantastic Water Warriors to Newry. Events such as these are vital in educating and instilling a sense of curiosity in the local schoolchildren.
“Water Warriors, part of Loughs Agency’s Ambassador Programme, is on the frontline tackling pressing issues of our time, including climate change, invasive species, pollution and biodiversity. This ground-breaking initiative provides a dynamic platform for young minds to explore their surroundings through water activities, field visits and engaging educational games.
“The overall goal is clear—to nurture responsible individuals who are passionate about safeguarding and enhancing the environment. Witnessing the enthusiastic participation of our young Water Warriors is a testament to the success of this educational mission.”
For more information on Loughs Agency’s Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme, which includes Water Warriors, visit: www.loughs-agency.org
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Students from Southern Regional College (SRC) were among thirty young people from Northern Ireland’s Further Education (FE) Colleges recognised as the first recipients of a Northern Ireland Traineeship at a ceremony in Stormont. The students were among the first cohort from Northern Ireland to complete a NI Traineeship.
The new NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in the sector they are interested in. The students were recognised for exceptional progress, personal achievement, and their commitment to completing the Traineeship.
Receiving the NI Traineeship from Southern Regional College were:
Some 2,400 people are now studying on a NI Traineeship programme through local FE colleges. The programme was introduced in 2021 to offer a new accessible route to further study and employment, including Higher Education and apprenticeships. The Traineeships are available across 27 professions and are funded by the Department for the Economy, in line with its 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy.
Career pathways include auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years. Participants on a Traineeship may be eligible for financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance or FE Grants. Hardship funds, free school meals, equipment, and travel passes may also be available.
Applications will open for September 2024 entry in February. Further details of what’s on offer at SRC is available online by searching ‘Traineeships’ on SRC’s website or the NI Direct website.
While undertaking their NI Traineeship, students explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer. Students also have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within their chosen sector, as well as skills valued by employers including problem-solving, teamwork and time management.
Clement Athanasiou, Head of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, which supported the awards, said: “Traineeships have been in place for more than two years and the fact that so many people are choosing this option across Northern Ireland demonstrates how effective they are as way to learn and progress in a career pathway. In 2021 the Department committed £180million to creating almost 20,000 Traineeship places over seven years and it is fantastic to now see participants gaining their qualifications and advancing in their careers by securing employment or moving onto further learning.”
“I am hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm and skill shown by people engaged in Traineeships and it is testament to the hard work and dedication not only of themselves but also of their educators in our local further education colleges. I also want to congratulate all of the Traineeship achievers and wish them well for the future.”
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College further added: “Traineeships are an excellent way to equip learners with the practical skills and academic qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Learners benefit from a high-quality vocational education and training programme that combines classroom instruction with workplace experience. Since the launch of Traineeships in September 2021, we have seen a growing number of students joining us who are looking for a more dynamic, hands-on, and relevant approach to learning and work. I am very proud of all the students who have completed their Traineeship qualification and wish them all the best for their future endeavours”.
To embark upon an NI Traineeship, applicants must hold a minimum of a Level One qualification, defined as four GCSEs at grades D to G, including Maths and English grades D to E, or equivalent.
Students can contact their local SRC campus for further information on 0300 123 1223 or visit the website www.src.ac.uk. Alternatively visit www.nidirect.gov.uk and search for NI Traineeships.
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Members of the faculty at Southern Regional College were at the 3D Concrete Printing and Cyber Skills Showcase last week in Louth.
Martin O’Brien, CEO of the Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) and founder of AMTCE, LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk (AMTCE),announced the planned doubling of available training places to 500 for 2024 in two key areas, 3D concrete printing (3DCP), and cybersecurity. It is to combat the shortage of skilled personnel in modern methods of construction and cybersecurity to meet the evolving industry demand, It was organised by the AMTCE, LMETB, Southern Regional College and InterTrade Ireland for businesses and key stakeholders on the Island of Ireland
Commenting on the news, Martin O’Brien, CEO of LMETB and founder of AMTCE, said, “The planned doubling of the training places in those important areas will be supported through the SOLAS/AMTCE Skills to Advance and apprenticeship programmes, which are designed to address the development and delivery of key skills requirements for Ireland’s future workforce. As the demand for new housing remains extremely high and recruitment into the trades is challenging, 3D concrete printing has proven to be highly effective in the fast delivery of high quality, lower costing, sustainable builds with minimal waste. It has the potential to address Ireland’s need for the fast delivery of affordable housing as it can deliver the concrete structure for a three-bedroom house in less than a week. “
The Showcase began with an introduction to the 3D Concrete Printer, covering its capabilities, features, and the materials that can be used, followed by a practical demonstration of the printer in action. Also highlighted were the growing number of successful 3D house printing projects underway in Europe, worldwide and planned in Ireland.
The second demonstration was a real-time Cyber Risk Assessment (CRA) of a business. The CRA is a dynamic tool that simply and remotely uses a web page address to quickly access and assess all an organisation’s digital assets that are exposed to the internet.
It will produce a detailed report of how effective security is for e-mail, network, host, IP, domain, website and DNS. It is the entire potential attack surface that a hacker could penetrate. The CRA will provide a top-level score from ‘Bad to Excellent’ and a detailed report of the vulnerability details. The CRA report will also help to determine if company personnel or its IT support have the skills to analyse the report and consequently fix the vulnerabilities identified. CRA produces the report in ten minutes and will continue to run in the background, checking for improvements or further risks.
Mr O’Brien went on to say, “The need for Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (CRA) on the Island of Ireland arises from the importance of protecting sensitive data against increasing cyber threats, compliance with regulations, addressing the cyber vulnerabilities of SMEs, and the protection of critical infrastructure. It is essential for organisations to proactively assess their cybersecurity risks and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them.”
AMTCE (Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence) was established in 2021 by the LMETB to deliver hands on skills-oriented training needed to underpin the transition of Irish enterprise to industry 4.0 based operations in the manufacturing, pharma, food and drink, construction, and engineering sectors.
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The Southern Regional College in Newry has been working alongside Down GAA, Ulster GAA and Newry City Athletic Football Club to develop a sports academy with Down GAA.
The academy will enhance student’s learning and increase opportunities to gain work experience. The GAA sports academy is in addition to the College’s successful volleyball academy, run from the Armagh campus and the football academy which will run from the College’s Lurgan campus.
The academy is open to any student wanting to play, coach or analyse Gaelic or football. Thirty-eight students are currently undertaking the academy, ranging from the usual Gaelic and football enthusiasts to basketball and rugby players. The academy is the first of its kind and gives participants the opportunity to obtain a sports related qualification, anything from a gym instructing and personal training qualification right up to a Sports and Exercise (Honours Degree). Down GAA will also be providing monthly coaching education sessions, bringing current trends in player development to the classroom.
The academy consists of three elements, with students having the option to partake in all three. These are:
Rory McGreevey, Sports Development Officer at Southern Regional College commented “The SRC Sports Academy provides students with a unique opportunity to gain relevant industrial knowledge and experience while studying for their qualification. Academy students will get the chance to develop as a player through pitch and strength & conditioning sessions, gain coaching qualifications and get extra coach education sessions delivered by the best coaches in the area. They also have the chance to learn how to use the top-class sports science equipment that the SRC has to help analyse player and team performances. The aim is for each student to use what they learn to help improve standards in their local clubs.”
Conor O’Toole at Down GAA Games Development Manager further commented “It is fantastic for Down GAA to have entered into this Academy Programme in partnership with SRC in Newry.
"In recent times we have been fortunate enough to have had some wonderful young students from the college, join our staff on academic work placement or as coaches within our Summer Camp programmes.
"We see this relationship with SRC as a wonderful avenue for Down GAA to unearth a strong cohort of engaging, enthusiastic and highly skilled young people who can further promote Gaelic Games in local primary schools and GAA clubs in the greater Newry area and beyond."
Pupils in the academy will have the opportunity to complete official GAA Coaching Awards, young referees training and also gain exposure to practical coaching opportunities in local schools.
O'Toole concluded "Down GAA are excited at the prospect of working closely with the staff in SRC within this GAA Academy programme.”
For more information on the sports academy, contact the Sports Development Officer Rory McGreevy at mcgreevyr@src.ac.uk.
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