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
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
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
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
Students from the SRC Greenbank campus in Newry are hoping to progress to the regional SkillBuild finals in May.
The annual SkillBuild competition at Southern Regional College got underway at the start of February with competitors from various trades and disciplines showcased their talents and skills. Contestants from across the College’s campuses competed against peers, to be in with the chance to make it to the regional competition. The regional competition is set to take place on Tuesday 21 May at South West College’s Enniskillen campus.
Categories participating in the SkillBuild competition included brickwork, cabinet making, carpentry, joinery, wall & floor tiling, painting & decorating, plastering, plumbing pipework, electrical installation and light motor vehicles.
Success at the inter-campus competition is the first step towards competing on the WorldSkills stage. Successful competitors at SkillBuild will be benchmarked against competitors from Northern Ireland’s other Further Education Colleges by the Construction Industry Training Board. The results will determine who will represent the region at national and international levels.
There now remains an anxious wait before it’s known whether local students will progress to the regional competition.
Local students hoping to progress include
|
Competition Area |
Name |
Hometown |
Course |
Campus |
|
1st place |
||||
|
Cabinet Making |
Odhran Campbell |
Forkhill, Newry |
L2 Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
Plastering |
Matthew McCready |
Kilcoo, Newry |
L2 Plastering Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
Plumbing Pipework |
Andrew Houston |
Kilkeel |
L3 Domestic Plumbing & Heating Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
2nd place |
||||
|
Wall & Floor Tiling |
Dean Frazer |
Newtownhamilton, Newry |
L2 Wall & Floor Tiling Traineeship |
Greenbank |
|
Plastering |
Thomas Maguire |
Newry |
L2 Plastering Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
Plumbing Pipework |
John McKee |
Kilkeel |
L3 Domestic Plumbing & Heating Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
Motor Vehicle Light |
James McCartan |
Annalong |
L2 Light Vehicle Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
3rd place |
||||
|
Carpentry |
Junior Swain |
Ballyward, Castlewellan |
L2 Carpentry & Joinery |
Greenbank |
|
Plastering |
Aiden McCabe |
Newry |
L2 Plastering Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
|
Plumbing Pipework |
Jordon Nummy |
Newry |
L2 Domestic Plumbing & Heating Apprenticeship |
Greenbank |
Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training & Support at CITB NI, attended the competition and praised the participants for their high standards of skills. Rachel said “We are continuously impressed by the standard of skills demonstrated by the apprentices and trainees who participate in the Inter Campus College Competitions. Congratulations are extended to all participants with special recognition for those who excelled in their categories. Their outstanding performance may pave the way for them to further showcase their talents at the upcoming SkillBuild NI Regional Competition in Enniskillen this May.
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College further commented “Our Inter campus SkillBuild competition involved over 80 competitors across construction, motor vehicle, body & paint, and welding trades.
"We welcomed visitors from CITB NI and judges to Greenbank. Again, the standard of work was extremely high, and we hope to have many of our students progressing to the regional finals in Enniskillen.”
Write a comment
A project from Bunscoil an Iúir, Newry was one of over 500 projects from primary schools around the country showcased at this year’s sixth annual ESB Science Blast, the RDS Foundation’s flagship Science and Technology Programme. ESB Science Blast is a STEM-focused educational programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind simple questions.
The Newry students’ project asked, ‘An pléascann branda Cola uilig an méid céanna nuair a chuireann tú Mento istigh ann?’ based around the amount of fizz that a mint placed in a can of cola causes.
Pupils from Bunscoil an Iúir showcased their experiment and discussed their investigation with a STEM expert (Judge/Moltóir). The judging was non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils' interest and passion for STEM. Over 55,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland, and one of the largest programmes of its kind in Europe.
The Dublin event took place over four days in RDS Simmonscourt, from 4 to 7 March, and included a lá speisialta do Ghaelscoileanna agus do scoileanna Ghaeltachta. The event is also visiting Belfast on 4 June 2024.
Strong themes emerging from schools this year included climate change, biodiversity, the impact of fast fashion and questions related to physical and mental health.
Speaking at the event in RDS Simmonscourt, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, said “It’s wonderful to see such a great turnout for our key Science and Technology Programme from primary schools across the length and breadth of Ireland, including Co. Down. In developing ESB Science Blast we wanted an event that would be informative, inclusive and, above all, a really fun and engaging learning experience. I’ve really enjoyed meeting the children from all around the country and learning so much from the wild and wonderful projects that they’re showcasing here this week.
“I’m also delighted that we welcomed an even split of repeat attenders and ‘first timer’ primary schools to the RDS this year, with over a quarter of all Gaelscoileanna taking part in the dedicated day for Irish speaking schools, on 7th March.”
Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, added “Through the programme, children of all backgrounds and abilities are developing life skills that will help them to become innovative and creative problem solvers, as well as active, informed and engaged citizens. I always look forward to seeing the energy, the excitement, and the celebration of curiosity at ESB Science Blast.”
One of the largest science education programmes of its kind, ESB Science Blast is a free and hands-on way to engage young learners with STEM, specifically designed for primary school and funded by the RDS Foundation through its Science and Technology Programme. It involves the whole class investigating the science behind a simple question and then showcasing their work at one of three annual events in Dublin, Limerick and Belfast.
For more information, visit www.esbscienceblast.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, or X.
Write a comment
Students from Southern Regional College have won nine medals at this years IFEX, a trade event for the hospitality, foodservice and retail sector. The event saw competitions taking across senior and junior divisions to find the best in class in foodservices plus inspiration from all the latest trends within food and service industry.
To prepare for the competition students trained outside class time alongside their professional chef lecturers and mentors in the weeks leading up to the competition. To be successful students were required to produce two servings of their dish within a short period of time, from as little as 40 minutes. The only competition prep students were allowed to undertake in advance of the competition day was peeling of vegetables, no chopping was permitted under tight competition rules. This meant students were feeling the heat in the kitchen, and not just from the boiling pots and pans!
Students taking part in the competition ranged from Level 2 Professional Cookery Traineeships to Level 3 Apprenticeship students.
Sixteen year-old TJ Cashel O’Farrell from Culloville, Castleblayney won a gold medal in the Culinary Ability section. TJ is a Level 2 Vocational Skills student at the Newry campus. TJ originally came to the College having been introduced to the Professional Chef programme, following the Schools Partnership Programme. This programme gives secondary school students a taster of future career opportunities at their local Further Education College. TJ won his medal for his dish of cod with fried mussels in a white wine sauce with sea herbs and potatoes. TJ chose this dish because the produce is in season and could be locally sourced.
Fellow gold medalist Annabelle Hughes, from Loughgall is no stranger to professional competitions, having been a finalist in last year’s WorldSkills UK competition. At IFEX, Annabelle upped her game to take the gold medal and title “Risotto Chef of the Year NI”. Annabelle will progress to represent Ireland in the "Gallo Risotto Chef of the Year" in June. Speaking on her competition success to date. Annabelle said “I enjoy competing in cookery competitions because I learn so many things from participating in them. The IFEX competition has been a wonderful experience – I can practice specific skills and receive constructive feedback on my cooking techniques and the food I make. My dish for IFEX was a fennel, cured trout, pickled cucumber and citrus risotto dish. I choose this specific dish because the flavour of fennel and trout is a nice addition in a rich risotto. The ingredients really come together to create a risotto that I really enjoy and thankfully the judges did too. I’m currently studying the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, I choose this course, after completing the Level 2 course because I want to learn more!”
Silver medallists at the competition include Ross Smyth, Darragh Byrne, Sophie Keenan, all from Warrenpoint and Rory Kavanagh from Camlough. All currently study at the College’s Newry campus. Ross competed in the junior duck section, Sophie in contemporary hot starter, Rory in junior poultry and Darragh in seafood. Darragh also picked up the title of IFEX NI Young Seafood Chef of the Year, sponsored by Keenan Seafoods. A well-deserved accolade.
Speaking on the competition, Ross said “I’ve gained a lot of experience from competing at IFEX. It’s been a great opportunity, and I am very grateful for it. I’ve met other chefs and been able to chat with them for tips. It’s also built my confidence for competing at future events.”
SRC mentor Gavin Doran added: “Ross's exceptional performance and dedication has led him to this remarkable achievement, showcasing his talents in the industry. Ross has demonstrated great skill and passion for his work. His positive attitude, hard work, and commitment have been instrumental in his success, along with the support he has received from his employer, Rory O'Connor at Downshire Arms. We are thrilled to see Ross's talent and dedication being recognised with this well-deserved accolade.”
Other students picking up bronze medals in their categories include Thomas McCrink from Newtownhamilton, Ben Webber from Lurgan and Sam Thompson from Gilford.
Commenting on students’ success, mentor Lynette McMath commented “We are so proud of the student’s achievements within the College. The students displayed exceptional attributes through their commitment, dedication, and performance at the competition. They should be very proud of their accomplishments; this will enhance their skills and employment prospects.”
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager for Hospitality & Tourism, further commented “Our success this year in IFEX has been outstanding across our two campuses Newry and Portadown for Culinary Arts. We were delighted that both Level 2 Traineeship and Level 2 Apprenticeship Professional Chefs, Level 2 Vocational Catering, Level 3 Day release and Level 3 Apprenticeship Professional Chefs were all successful.
"To achieve 9 medals, with 2 best in class, is a testimony to their chef mentors who all went the extra mile to prepare for the competitions. We are also delighted that Annabelle, will go on to represent Ireland in the Gallo Risotto Chef of the Year Competition in London in June. We hope to build on this success by entering students into the World Skills competitions this year.”
Write a comment
With growth predictions set at over 300% for TV and film productions in Northern Ireland Chris Hobson, Curriculum Area Manager for Media at Southern Regional College is keen to bring opportunities to the fore.
Joining Chris in raising awareness of available opportunities in media is Northern Ireland Screen and Get Set Ready who delivered a workshop to students at Southern Regional College on the roles available in the media industry. Get Set Ready is a training and employment programme that supports the next generation of film and television talent as they enter this exciting industry.
The range of roles available varies from direct creative roles in screenwriting, sound production, editing, costume design and make up along with roles in legal, accounting, catering and logistic operations. Huge opportunities await those ready to make the move.
Commenting on the current opportunities within Northern Ireland television and film sector, Belinda Peach from Get Set Ready said “I think it’s a perfect time for this generation to be presented with the opportunities that are coming their way. I think the important thing is that they do understand they don’t have to leave their country to work in film and TV. Whereas years ago, that would definitely have been the case.”
Following the introduction session provided by Get Set Ready, expressions of interest were taken from hopeful students eager to undergo further training for only twenty spots available within the local television and film industry.
Speaking on the event, Tommy Tipping a student from SRC’s Banbridge campus said “The workshop was very informative and helped me to see where I want to go within the industry. Fellow student Jordan Blair was equally as positive about the event and opportunities presented saying, “It was more insight into the industry and how it operates. It would be great to have more of these opportunities.”
Chris Hobson, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College further commented “Get Set Ready is a new vision recognising the skills and expertise that exist in the Further Education sector. Working with the College, Get Set Ready aims to develop home grown talent for current and future demand within the TV and Film industry.”
Write a comment
Southern Regional College (SRC) has hosted a special evening celebrating its outstanding performance as the UK’s best in WorldSkills UK for a second year running.
All of the college’s winners and finalists were honoured at a ceremony on Tuesday night at the Graduate Restaurant at the Newry East Campus.
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.
Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRC spoke of her immense pride that the college had reached the pinnacle in the 'Skills Olympics' for a second year and commended all those in attendance for contributing to that success.
Delivering her speech at the ceremony, she said “From amongst thousands of competitors hailing from all corners of the United Kingdom, our students have showcased their talents at an unparalleled level, bringing home an impressive array of medals. Our students secured an outstanding 5 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals, a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and sheer skill.
“Southern Regional College has consistently been within the UK’s top three ranking colleges in these UK wide competitions over the past number of years. In 2022 we set ourselves the target of reaching the number one spot within five years. Little did we know that through the hard work, diligence and dedication of staff and students at the College we would achieve this within one year being crowned top college in the UK in 2023. And now to make it to the top for the second consecutive year is simply remarkable.”
She also paid tribute to the tireless dedication of the staff as well as the unwavering support of parents and guardians in encouraging all the young people who took part.
Medals were then presented to all finalists from SRC's Governing Body Chair, Dr Thomas Moore. The event was hosted by SRC’s Development Manager Lindsay Bronte who plays an instrumental role in overseeing all College Skills competitions.
Engineering Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship Student Ross Graham, who took Gold in Automation, said winning the top prize "means everything to him".
Ross said about winning his Gold medal “There was a lot of hard work and time spent put into preparing for the competition. It means a lot to get gold and be able to celebrate at this event tonight. The competition itself really enhanced my skills the lectures within the College spent a lot of time in helping me to prepare. They are always trying to push me that one extra step which has been evident through the competition results.”
Ross is now aiming to progress onto the Engineering BEng Level 6 Top Up Degree offered within the College.
As part of the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme, Ross is employed with ReGen Robotics in Newry and his employer Shane Sloan was there at the ceremony to applaud his achievement.
Commenting about his employee’s success at WorldSkills UK, Shane said “Competitions like WorldSkills provide students with the opportunity to stand out to employers such as myself. They offer specialised knowledge, expertise in their area and ultimately, a competitive advantage over others.”
Also taking home the gold for Beauty Therapy Practitioner was Mykenzie Cartmill. She said the competition has helped transform her into a true professional in her chosen sector.
Mykenzie said about winning her Gold medal “It’s great to be recognised for my achievements. I put a lot of hard work and effort into trying to secure the gold medal. This journey has given me more confidence to one day have my own salon or possibly have the opportunity to teach within the College.”
 |
 |
 |