Up and coming artists on Southern Regional College’s Art and Design Level 3 Foundation Diploma programme and Higher National Diploma Art & Design – Art Practice are ‘Ready to Emerge’.
The class of 2024 are set to exhibit their year end exhibition pieces at SRC’s Newry West campus later this month. Opening night takes place on Thursday 23rd May from 6:30pm with the exhibition running until Friday 24th May. The public are free to attend and explore the diverse range of artistic styles and influences.
Exhibiting at the event are Higher National Diploma Art students Tarry Sweet and Sheila McGaffin. Tarry from Newry is a lady of many talents. Returning to education having worked in acute nursing, Tarry’s aim is to bring the natural world into the man-made world. Her work seeks to provide people with a voice and improve their mental health. Tarry commented “Everybody should have a voice and sometimes this will only happen if they can draw it and the purpose of this artwork is to encourage viewers to reflect on their impact on the environment.”
Also exhibiting at the event is Armagh student Sheila McGaffin. Sheila’s passion lies with blending art mediums to showcase the inspiration she draws from animals. Sheila is dedicated to her education in art and is keenly interested in the viewer’s response to her artwork.
The students are excited to welcome guests on opening night. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the artists, discuss their pieces, and gain insights into their creative processes. Admission is free, making this event accessible to all art enthusiasts.
Students, staff, friends, and family from across Southern Regional College’s campuses gathered at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry earlier this month to celebrate student accomplishments within each of the College’s four faculty areas through awards for ‘Classmate of the Year’, ‘Star Fundraiser’ and ‘Employer Choice’.
Guest speaker at the event was Adele Loughran, Global Operations Manager at EOS IT Solutions based in Banbridge. Adele is a past student having completed her Foundation Degree in Computing in Network Systems in 2016. Since completing her foundation degree, Adele’s career has skyrocketed, and she was on hand to offer advice to current students seeking out opportunities within employment. Adele commented:
“Over the years, I received great encouragement, and this gave me the drive to take on more opportunities and challenges. I found myself constantly raising my hand for more exposure to different areas of the business and by doing so I progressed from the basics to managing the end-to-end Operations of a Global Supply Chain program.”
With a message of constant evaluation and seeking out opportunities, Adele was keen to encourage students to reach for their potential. Adele added “I would like to congratulate all of you on your achievements, nominations and awards you have received today. And as this part of your journey with SRC is coming to an end and you are considering your plans for the future, I wish you the best of luck. Your road is your choice, believe in yourself and grab every opportunity as it presents itself.”
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented “Today’s awards recognise many facets of excellence – from those who have excelled academically, to those whose commitment to personal and professional development has been astounding, all of which displays an unwavering determination to succeed. Congratulations to each and every one of our award recipients today. You have demonstrated exceptional character and determination. Your achievements are a source of immense pride for us all.”
Local students recognised in the ceremony include:
Students from Southern Regional College picked up an amazing 8 medals at The Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) annual SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2024 competition at South West College Technology and Skills Centre, Enniskillen.
Designed to test skills, technique, ability within tight timeframes, the competition identifies the top performers in 12 different trade areas within construction apprenticeship programmes from across Northern Ireland. It is a showcase of the wealth of talent, professionalism, and the brightest recruits throughout the industry.
Categories included Brickwork, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Fire and Security, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering Dry Wall Systems, Plastering, Plumbing, Wall & Floor Tiling.
Medal Winners
1st Gold Medal: Mathew Carswell, Bricklaying
1st Gold Medal: Thomas Maguire, Plastering
1st Gold Medal: Jonathan Gough, Electrical Installation
1st Gold Medal: Kirsty Leigh Stewart, Painting and Decorating
2nd Silver Medal: Mathew McCready, Plastering
2nd Silver Medal: Dean Frazer, Wall and Floor Tiling
2nd Silver Medal: Richard Loughran, Painting and Decorating
2nd Silver Medal: Adam Skelton, Electrical Installation
At the event, Painting and Decorating lecturer Patrick Maguire was awarded a special recognition award from CITB NI for his contribution to the skills competitions. Patrick has tutored many award-winning students and has accompanied students on the journey to SkillBuild UK success.
SkillBuild NI Regional Competition is part of a regional qualifier. Students from the College may have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in the SkillBuild UK national final held later in the year.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB GB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. Supported by the Department for the Economy and local construction companies, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the high level of skills and the impressive talent within the workforce, as well as raising the status and standards of professional and technical education and training.
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive CITB NI, said: “A huge congratulations to all the apprentices who took part in the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition 2024 The event displayed remarkable talent and showcased the dedication of future construction leaders. Witnessing their enthusiasm highlights a promising future for the industry. Apprenticeships are crucial for industry growth, allowing businesses to shape their future workforce and develop necessary skills. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partner SWC for the fantastic showcase of the NI talent pool throughout the competition and we look forward to the SkillBuild UK National Finals in November.”
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, added “The success of our students and the special recognition award for our lecturer Patrick Maguire is a spectacular achievement for our competitors, Patrick and the College. This achievement once more highlights the expertise of our lecturers. However, this success is not without the substantial support provided by the College’s Senior Management Team who have invested time and financial assistance to secure the continued success of our student competitors. Recent upgrades to our facilities by the estates team should also be commended. These combined efforts have significantly enhanced training and skills development for our learners.
Congratulations once more to all, and I eagerly await the announcement of students moving forward to represent the College and Northern Ireland at the UK finals in November.”
Plumbing, Electrical and Fire winners may get the opportunity progress on to the UK Finals of SkillPLUMB and SkillELECTRIC to represent their trades in national competitions.
For further details on SkillBuild NI and CITB NI support for apprenticeships and employers visit www.citbni.org.uk
It is often thought that females are underrepresented in the construction and engineering sector. One lecturer at Southern Regional College determined to change this narrative, is Melanie Boyce. Melanie teaches on the College’s Construction BSc degree programmes in both the Portadown and Newry campuses and has worked in a variety of roles in the construction sector.
Melanie’s CV experience is impressive having worked as a quantity surveyor in a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm and as a traffic and transport engineer, designing bypasses and undertaking traffic impact assessments. Melanie has also worked as a project manager on one of the largest demolition sites in Northern Ireland. This role has seen Melanie manage personnel, work progress, health and safety, site finances and environmental concerns.
Melanie has worked within civil engineering teams where the ratio of female to male civil engineers was almost 50%. As Melanie says “I think parents are sometimes not aware of the vast numbers of professional women working both as consultants or on construction sites; some of the greatest architects and engineers in world are women. Take Zaha Hadid for example. She is possibly one the UK’s greatest architects and was presented with the Pritzker Architecture prize, an international architecture award in 2004.”
Melanie continues “It may be viewed as a male dominated industry, but I have had the luxury of working with mixed teams and have always been treated with the same respect afforded to my male counterparts.
"Respect is earned and that is same for everyone in any industry regardless of gender. Your skills and experience speak for themselves, but the most important thing is to believe in own your capabilities and not be limited by what others think.”
Career opportunities and roles within the sector are vast. For persons with an arts background, architects, designers and interior designers are in demand to shape how a building feels and more importantly how it is lived in. For those with a science background, then perhaps an engineering role would be of more interest. Engineers come to a task with an open mind ready to problem solve and trouble shoot, communicating with other stakeholders. Perhaps analysing environmental or social impacts of proposed projects.
Students and in particular young females should be encouraged to see the various roles in the industry. They go beyond traditional roles of digger drivers and bricklayers. Whilst these roles are fundamental to the sector and these persons are very much part of the team, there are opportunities.
Melanie added “To hang of the side of high-rise buildings using ropes, then there’s a job role for that. If you want to work to reduce carbon emissions, then the possibilities in the industry are endless.
"You can work on all types of structures, residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, sewage and water treatment, roads, airports, docks, drainage, fitting out cruise ships, professional cleaning, painting to estate agents and surveyors.”
For those interested in a career in the sector, there is the potential to be well compensated and be part of a team that physically changes the landscape. To be part of a team that creates monumental change is inspiring. The construction sector is full of problem solvers with a ‘can do’ attitude. It’s an exciting industry where technology and design are constantly pushing the limits.
Those interested in a career in the construction and engineering industry might be building the next ski resort in the desert, reclaiming land back from the ocean or building four storeys underneath the ground, while pushing the skyline upwards. The construction of buildings and other infrastructure projects provides a great sense of pride. The sector really changes peoples’ lives whether it is in the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, flood defences, waste water treatment works or building homes.
At Southern Regional College, there are opportunities for school leavers and adult returners to launch a career within the construction and engineering sector, with either a further education or higher education programme. Visit www.src.ac.uk to find out more.
In a significant move towards promoting high level advanced manufacturing skills and apprenticeship training across Ireland, Southern Regional College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) to develop and provide advanced manufacturing training interventions. A Memorandum of Understanding between LMETB and QUB was also signed. Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey also made a visit to the LMETB facility in Dundalk.
Substantial Cross Border initiatives already in operation under the auspices of the LMETB-AMTCE include the first FET All-Ireland Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship programme, currently going through the approvement processes in both jurisdictions; the first cross-border advanced manufacturing pathways schools project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland; an Industry 4.0 Future Skills initiative currently being undertaken by LMETB-AMTCE in association with Queen’s University- AMIC and IMR (Irish Manufacturing Research) funded by InterTrade Ireland.
It was an inaugural visit for the Minister to the world standard advanced manufacturing facility, emphasising the AMTCE's pivotal role in the integration of advanced skills training on an All-Island basis.
Southern Regional College currently provides further education and higher education degree programmes in the areas of engineering and automation, with students developing specialised knowledge and practical skills to support economy growth.
The signing of the two Memorandums marks a significant step towards a collaborative approach to skills development in the sector on an All-Island basis.
The Memorandums were signed by Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB and Lee Campbell, Interim Chief Executive of Southern Regional College (SRC) and by Sam Turner, Chief Executive, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University.
During the Minister’s visit, the strategic significance of the AMTCE was highlighted, particularly its ambition to enhance and be a key stakeholder in the provision of advanced manufacturing skills on an All-Ireland basis.
During the visit by Minister Hargey, Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB and founder of AMTCE commented "Our goal is for the AMTCE to be the leader in the development and provision of advanced manufacturing training interventions including, for example, Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Programme, 3 D Construction Printing which leverages our geographical position to foster an All-Island approach."
Adding to Mr O’Brien’s comments, Lee Campbell, SRC Interim Chief Executive Officer stated “The signing of the memorandum demonstrates the College’s continued commitment to advancing the skills of learners. The College is uniquely positioned to develop advanced manufacturing skills in a wide remit of learners, through the provision of education and training opportunities to individuals of all ages. Individuals will have opportunities to leap into exciting and groundbreaking careers in manufacturing with the College and this partnership, with the ultimate aim of increasing both economy’s prospects.”
Minister Hargey said, “Changing and improving the skills profile of the existing workforce will be key to delivering on the priorities set out in the Economic Vision. We need to work collaboratively across industry, government and the education sector to ensure we invest in and develop the skills that meet the needs of the emerging economy, supporting greater efficiency, productivity and better jobs for individuals.”
“I welcome the positive impact this facility will make on young people, particularly those most marginalised, by developing and delivering more accessible education and training in advanced manufacturing technologies. I want to expand work between local and central government to support the development of industries with a strong regional presence, taking advantage of opportunities which can boost productivity performance, and emphasising the importance of collaborative planning to boost prosperity in our regions.”
Other attendees at the landmark event were Cllr. Wayne Harding, chair of LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training at LMETB, Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive of SOLAS, Libby Shackles Director of Curriculum at SRC and Brendan Mackin, Chair of Portview Trade Centre in Belfast.
AMTCE was established in 2021 and supported by SOLAS and Enterprise Ireland to deliver hands-on skills-oriented training to underpin the transition of Irish enterprise to industry 4.0 based operations, with a focus on manufacturing, cybersecurity, pharma, food and drink, construction and engineering. The AMTCE uses outside industry experts for its courses, to ensure that the quality and focus of its training is always cutting edge.
The Marketing and Communications Team at Southern Regional College were thrilled to be the recipients of two marketing awards at the inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards 2024 on Friday last 31 Mayin Belfast. The team were finalists and ultimate winners in the categories ‘Education and Training’ and ‘Large Marketing Team’.
This year's awards focused on celebrating the individuals behind groundbreaking initiatives and those who transform remarkable ideas into reality. Despite often working behind the scenes, the College's Marketing and Communications team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the College's events and communications.
Walter Campbell, lead judge and one of the most awarded creative thinkers in advertising, praised the dedication and resilience evident in the submissions during the judging process.
The team have achieved several remarkable achievements over the past twelve months. Prioritising environmental sustainability, they have replaced their large prospectus with condensed fold out leaflets on higher and further education, conserving natural resources and reducing carbon footprint.
Along with the rise in digital technology and the changing landscape of information consumption, the team has strategically placed significant emphasis on developing the growth of its online social media channels to deliver key messages. This has seen the College’s social media channels witness expediential growth with users availing of fresh content and the latest social media trends on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
In addition to day-to-day activities, the team organises a wide range of events during the academic year. From open days to award ceremonies for further education students’ academic, fundraising and sporting successes, together with the all-important annual higher education graduation. The team ensures all students’ efforts are recognised and commended.
A special mention goes to the other finalists in the categories. Within ‘Education and Training’ the SRC marketing team were amongst teams from Ulster University, Briefed and the highly commended team from The Open University. Meanwhile in the ‘Large Marketing Team’ category, SRC stood amongst marketers from DFI Beds, Flair Showers and the highly commended team from Artemis Technologies.
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented “Congratulations to our Marketing and Communications Team for their well-deserved awards. The team strive to make a positive impact on learners’ experience at the College and their impact extends far beyond visible awards. These awards recognise the time, dedication and impact they have on our student’s College experience, a commendable result.”
Southern Regional College lecturer Sara Gilpin was honoured with an ‘Award of Merit’ at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) annual congress meeting at the weekend in Newport, South Wales. In total seven recipients from across the UK received awards for exceptional service to the RCN.
Sara has been a lecturer at Southern Regional College since 2015 and her role includes acting as both a personal tutor and the course director for health and social care courses at the College. Namely the Level 4 Open University Certificate of Higher Education Healthcare Practice, hospital (SHSCT) and nursing home pathways, as well as the Level 5 Leadership in Health and Social Care.
Sara brings a wealth of experience to her role. Having originally qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2002, Sara has worked in multiple healthcare specialties including accident and emergency, special needs, infectious diseases and research with children and young people, both in Northern Ireland and London.
In the past year, Sara’s love for nursing has been pivotal in setting up the first RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme in Northern Ireland; a scheme presently only available to students at Southern Regional College. This cadet scheme has allowed students from across all course disciplines to experience placement activities with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and within the nursing profession.
Sara’s actions in setting up the cadet scheme in Northern Ireland led to her being nominated for the Award of Merit by Professor Dave Clarke, Head of the RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme and supported by Robert Sowney, Senior Clinical Advisor Safety Committee NIAS, Rita Devlin, RCN NI Director and Ruth Thompson, Assistant Director Nursing Policy and Practice, RCN NI.
On winning the award, Sara commented “I’m overwhelmed and honoured to receive this award and it was such a proud moment to have it presented at the RCN Congress 2024, in Newport, Wales. I have loved every minute of working with the RCN Prince of Wales, Nursing Cadets and knowing that I have been an integral part of giving young people in Northern Ireland this opportunity. The Cadets have been wonderful, and I look forward to being able to continue to work on this programme.”
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented “Sara's Award of Merit is a fantastic acknowledgement of her many years of dedication and commitment to the Royal College of Nursing, the nursing profession and subsequently her role within Southern Regional College. Sara’s unwavering dedication, compassionate approach, and innovative teaching strategies are now inspiring generations of potential future nurses and healthcare workers, empowering them to become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. Her recognition by the prestigious Royal College of Nursing is a testament to her exceptional contributions in nursing and education, and we are immensely proud to have her as a member of our College."
Eight Southern Regional College students and two staff members have been honoured at the first-ever Further Education NI Excellence Awards. Students Michael McCloy, Lubo Mulkerns, Ross Smyth, Ava Hamill, Declan Heaney and Linzey Haire were all honoured along with SRC staff Raymond Little and Henry Douglas.
The inaugural awards ceremony was held at the Armagh City Hotel last week with awards categories reflecting the wide spectrum of learning levels and pathways available across Northern Ireland’s Further Education Colleges, from introductory and supported learning to apprenticeships, higher education and lifelong learning.
The ceremony was opened by the Economy Minister Conor Murphy who said “I was delighted to attend these awards to celebrate the achievements of excellence by both students and staff across the further education sector.
“My economic vision has skills at its core and further education colleges have a significant role to play in delivering a regionally balanced economy with good jobs, higher productivity and which is reducing its carbon output.
“I commend our colleges, our students, our staff, and all who support you, for all that you do, and will continue to do, to support the north’s economy.
“I want to see and hear more of this excellence and for further education colleges to continue to collaborate, to lead, and to take their rightful place in the story of our improving economic outlook.”
Guests at the event heard how student award recipients have improved their life and job-related skills thanks to the incredible effort they have made during their studies, and of the positive impact made on people’s lives by the winning staff members.
Speaking at the event, Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & Chief Executive of SRC, said: “We are extremely proud to see our Southern Regional College staff and students recognised for their efforts, hard work and dedication at Northern Ireland’s first Further Education Excellence Awards. Their achievements and supporting them to fulfil their ambitions are what Further Education is all about. On behalf of the College, I would like to congratulate them on winning their award and look forward to seeing what they will do next.”
SRC FE Excellence Award winners on the night included Michéal McCloy from Whitecross who won the Introductory Programme Award and opened the Awards ceremony. Michael is a student on the LEAP Employability Programme and was recognised for being an outstanding student who displays great camaraderie with other classmates. A keen sportsman, earlier this year Michael was chosen to represent Ireland in the Down Syndrome Futsal Squad as Ireland’s first-ever Futsal team at the SUDS European Championship in Italy.
Marcus McKay from Newry received the Supported Learning Award. Marcus achieved Level 2 vocational skills in Hospitality and has been praised for his commitment to his studies, as well as music and competition. Marcus also competed in the WorldSkills competition last November.
The FE Excellence Award for a Level 2 programme went to Ava Hamill from Moira. A Level 2 student on the children’s care, learning and development traineeship, Ava was praised by her tutors for being an outstanding student, for her integrity and creativity, and for her extracurricular roles including organising a sleepout for the Simon Community.
The School Partnership Programme winner was Lubo Mulkerns from Newry. A hospitality student at the college, Lubo was recognised for his determination, ranking top not only in his class but also across the faculty, and among all SPP students over the three SRC campuses. Lubo has been working towards the Springboard’s Future Chef competition and scored almost full marks in the NI final heat.
The FE Excellence Award for Level 3 Further Education was presented to Robertas Vickus, a Level 3 Games, Animation and VFX Skills student, who travels every day from Armagh to Newry for his studies. He was praised as an ambassador for level three gaming at Southern Regional College.
The FE Excellence Award for Higher Education went to Declan Heaney from Lurgan who achieved outstanding academic marks on his Higher National Diploma. Declan has now progressed to a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Studies and continues to work full-time.
Linzie Haire from Portadown received the Lifelong Learning Award. Linzie achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and English Literature after starting at the college on an Adult Access programme and achieved the highest first-class honours grading in her programme.
The final SRC student recipient on the evening was Ross Smyth from Newry who received the FE Excellence Award for Apprenticeship Training from Ruairi and Ethan O’Connor of the Downshire Arms Hotel. A Level 2 Professional Cookery Apprentice, Ross’s skills have seen him progress to sous chef in the Downshire Arms Hotel, where he has developed banqueting menus and a la carte menus at the hotel which have won several awards for excellence. He is now progressing to a Level 3 apprenticeship.
The evening also honoured staff members from the Further Education sector, recognising the positive contribution they have made to the College and their community over the years.
Two SRC staff members were recognised on the night. Raymond Little from Newry, who has been a caretaker at SRC’s Model Campus since 1986 and Henry Douglas from Lurgan, who has been lecturing at the College in the Faculty of Building, Technology and Engineering for 39 years were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards on the night.
Speaking after receiving his award, Henry said: “FE is the gateway to the rest of the student’s life, should they be 16 or 60. Teaching in FE has been one of the biggest rewards of my life.” Raymond added: “FE is all about community. It’s so important.”
Gracie Lavery and Hollie McCann from SRC Newry are two of five talented students from Southern Regional College’s Level 3 Hairdressing Diploma Apprenticeship who took centre stage at the WorldSkills UK L’Oreal national qualifiers in the City of Liverpool College on Tuesday 4 June 2024.
Students were all vying for a chance to secure one of eight coveted spots in November’s national finals. With remaining qualifiers underway, anticipation is building to see whether the
If you have information about this incident or can help with the investigation please call police at Ardmore on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number:
You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
SRC students will be announced as finalists in July.
Participating in WorldSkills UK competitions offers students valuable opportunities to enhance their skills which broadens their career opportunities beyond traditional hair salons. Careers can include colour, cutting or styling specialists, film, and TV stylists or even careers in education and sales.
As part of the competition activity students completed a set of arduous tasks, including a pre-competition task consisting of photographic entry of a modern commercial long wave hair style for pre-assessment and marking, prior to attending the Liverpool qualifiers. Results from this test made up 10% of the students’ final mark. Richard Howell from Loreal Professional Education stated the “standards from this test were so high, they raised the bar for those who made it that far.” The remaining 90% of the students’ marks consisted of two on the day tests.
The first test on the day was an editorial catwalk design for ladies with long hair. To complete this task students were required to produce an inspirational mood board demonstrating how the final look was inspired. Hairstyles were judged on styling and finishing skills, and appropriate use of styling products and referenced back to mood boards.
Explaining where editorial design inspiration was taken from, Caroline O’Neill, Hairdressing and Barbering) Tutor and competition mentor at Southern Regional College commented “Inspiration usually comes from the catwalk and the predicted seasons trends or colour palette which is forecast by the top fashion houses like Dior and Chanel. The students had to create mood boards to illustrate where their inspiration came from, and the judges looked at these while marking their long hair style.”
The second test consisted of a ladies commercial cut, colour and style within a pressurised three-hour time limit. While styling and finishing skills remained a core part of the marks, students were judged on sustainability and health and safety issues with points deducted for any excess amounts of colour remaining in bowls.
Caroline further added “Despite what is a very pressurised setting, students exceeded expectations performing to a very high standard. It isn’t easy to work outside the comfort zone of the College’s setting. We as tutors can only guide and direct students. Ultimately students must go onto the competition arena and perform for themselves which they truly did, leaving us all so proud.
I place great value on the experience gained from students entering these competitions and the exposure it can offer them to profile their career within their chosen industry. Some of the top industry icons have trained at SRC, so it is an amazing opportunity for students to excel and grow within the competitive world of work that exists today. We eagerly await the announcement of July’s finalists.”