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The annual SkillBuild competition at Southern Regional College took place at the end of January with apprentices and traineeship students from various trades and disciplines showcasing their skills.  

Contestants from across the College’s campuses competed against peers at the College’s Greenbank and Portadown campuses, to be in with the chance of making it to the Northern Ireland regional finals, where they will compete against students from Northern Ireland’s five other Further Education Colleges and specialist training centres.  Students placing at the intercampus competition received medals, Amazon vouchers and certificates for their accomplishments.

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, automotive paint refinishing and automotive body repair.  

The regional competition is set to take place on Tuesday 20 May at SERC’s Downpatrick campus.  Students participating in the automotive paint refinishing and body repair categories will compete in a separate regional final at the start of February.

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 Colleges by the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).  The results will determine who will represent the region at this years’ SkillBuild UK and SkillElectric UK finals to be held in Wales this November, once results from the other UK regional competitions have concluded.

Local students successful in the SkillBuild competition hoping to progress include: 

Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training & Support at CITB NI, who attended the SkillBuild competition commented: "We are consistently impressed by the high level of skills displayed by the apprentices and trainees participating in the Inter Campus College Competitions across the college and training network.”

Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College added: "The 2025 Inter-campus SkillBuild competition saw over 70 participants showcasing their talents in construction skills and motor vehicle repair skills, which included automotive body and paint skills. We were pleased to host visitors from CITB NI and judges at our Greenbank campus, where they observed the construction trades. Meanwhile, separate competitions for the automotive paint, refinishing, and bodywork were held at the College's dedicated spray booth at the Portadown campus.

“Once again, students have demonstrated exceptional workmanship, impressing both judges and faculty lecturing staff. We are hopeful that many of our students will advance to the regional and national finals later this year."

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 11 February 2025

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A pupil from St Paul's High School, Bessbrook has won the NI finals of the annual Springboard FutureChef competition and will now travel to London next month to represent Northern Ireland at the UK wide finals.

Lubo Mulkerns returned to the competition for a second year and took on competition from six other finalists from schools across the north, including Sofia  Pajer from Dalriada School in Ballymoney; Wiktoria Skowronski from St. Aidan’s, Derrylin; Isabella McAuley from Our Lady & St. Patrick’s, Knock; Chloe Leacock from Rainey Endowed, Magherafelt; Aoise Taggert from St. Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley; and Cicilly Dixon from Wallace High School, Lisburn.

The winning menu designed by Lubo to impress the judging panel made up of local chefs, highlighted local produce and impressed with  simple flavour packed dishes. For his main course, Lubo prepared baked supreme of free-range chicken, variety of beetroot, steamed leek, pommes maxim, herb salad and white wine cream. For dessert, Lubo created a sweet sensation with deep fried breaded poached apple, almond brittle, salted caramel sauce and Chantilly cream.

The judging panel featured Business Development Chef, Geoff Baird from Henderson Foodservice, sponsors of the competition. Speaking of this year’s competition Geoff said; “We say it every year, but the competition just continues to get bigger and better, and we were all thrilled to see Lubo return and put everything he had learned from last year into his dishes for this year’s competition.

“The level of skill and creativity the students bring to the competition is so impressive, and they are dedicated to learning more and soaking up as much as they can from their professional mentors who put so much time and effort into helping their students learn more about provenance, presentation, taste and of course, minimising waste throughout the process.”

Lubo was mentored by Darragh Dooley, Executive Chef at Killeavy Castle Estate in Newry and he will fly to London to take part in the UK-wide Springboard FutureChef finals on 24 March, competing against the other regional finalists from Wales, Scotland and England.

FutureChef is the annual initiative from Springboard, the charity that is committed to nurturing young talent and promoting the hospitality industry as a great place to work. It is the flagship competition of Springboard’s wider UK educational programme, and is also supported by the Savoy Educational Trust.

Caitriona Lennox, Head of Springboard in Northern Ireland also commented; “Out of 1,100 students from 37 schools across Northern Ireland, we found seven incredible finalists whose passion for local food, cooking and hospitality has only grown throughout this competition.

“Lubo is a worthy winner who has shown confidence in returning to the competition after making it through to the finals last year, and just missing out on being crowned the NI winner. We are all thrilled he returned with even more confidence and knowledge and impressed our judges with his skills and passion. Our students are aged between 13 – 15 years old and continue to display such creativity and composure while under pressure, producing a main course and a dessert for two people within 90 minutes. The endless support from their teachers, parents and guardians and their chef mentors mean they get the best possible start to what we hope will develop into fantastic hospitality careers, nurtured by their schools as our engagement between education and industry continues to thrive."

Catriona thanked sponsors Henderson Foodservice as well as Chef Geoff Baird for his support.

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 18 February 2025

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Southern Regional College’s March Open Days have attracted many young people and adult returners eager to explore new opportunities. Over the first two weeks of March, the College opened its doors to welcome attendees, offering them the chance to hear directly from current students and lecturers about how an apprenticeship, further education, or higher education course at Southern Regional College can boost their job prospects. Tonight is the last Open Day event at Lurgan SRC campus from 5pm to 7pm.

Over 600 attendees visited the Newry East and West campuses on Wednesday, 5 March, to explore their options. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including sampling culinary creations prepared by professional cookery students, viewing beauty therapy and upstyling demonstrations, observing science practicals and fingerprint analysis, participating in robotics and programming demonstrations, and experiencing a virtual welding machine. These activities provided a glimpse into life at the College. Additionally, attendees had the chance to spin the wheel to win free goodies, such as water bottles, t-shirts, and hoodies.

With fully funded further education, apprenticeships, and higher-level apprenticeship courses, the College has seen a surge in interest from potential students. Among the attendees were Alannah Murchan and Molly O'Gorman. Alannah hopes to pursue a childcare qualification, while Molly was seeking a qualification in beauty therapy.

Raymond Sloan, Director of Client Services commented: “With young people and adult returners on the verge of making crucial career decisions, we were thrilled to welcome attendees and their families to our Newry campuses to explore their options”

“SRC Open Days showcase the passion, dedication, and diverse opportunities that we offer, and it was wonderful to see so many prospective students and their families engaging with our staff and learning about the unique pathways we provide. This Open Day at Newry truly highlighted the strength of our community and the commitment the College has to empowering the next generation of learners”.

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 12 March 2025

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Chandler’s House in Rathfriland has become an incredible venue for artists and on 22 Marc the venue is hosting a concert of young emerging talent as a fundraiser to help students from the SRC Music Department in Armagh travel to Berlin in April.

Twelve young students from the SRC Music Department in Armagh will travel to Berlin in April to perform, visit world-renowned venues such as Berlin Philharmonie and Funkhaus, and experience being an artist on the international music scene.

They have been fundraising since October to help meet their goal of £4000 to help cover essential travel costs. They have been putting on local concerts and gathering sponsorships to help reach their goal of £4000, which they have nearly gathered.

On Saturday, 22 March, two bands travelling to Berlin will perform in Chandler’s House, Rathfriland, from 8pm to 10pm to help them reach their goal. Get ready for an evening of upcoming talent with something for all tastes to enjoy.  You can purchase tickets on Eventbrite or pay £10 at the door.

Molly & The Magic are a three-piece pop-funk band originating from Armagh. They have developed their original groove using recording techniques similar to those from the 60s while still capturing a fresh sound. Molly Bermudez is an Irish singer/songwriter who has been singing from an early age.

SARAN Band + Special Guest Laura Woods are also performing at Chandlers. SARAN is an emerging singer/songwriter from Co. Armagh. He has played sold-out shows at prestigious venues like The Market Place Theatre, Black Box Belfast, and Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen. He has performed widely across Ireland and in Lopera, Spain. They will perform a mixture of originals and covers inspired by American Folk, Blues, and Country sounds.

Laura is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Co. Down. From an early age, she has performed in competitions, showcases, and, most recently, original music at the SRC Showcase at the Market Place Theatre. Laura’s music is inspired by country, folk, indie-rock, and pop.

Get your tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 12 March 2025

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In a groundbreaking educational initiative, Southern Regional College (SRC) has demonstrated its commitment to next-generation construction technology by collaborating with Louth and Meath Education Training Board to facilitate visits for 94 Higher Level Apprenticeship students and six staff to the cutting-edge LMETB research and training centre in Drogheda.

The visits showcased the innovative COBOD 3D concrete printer, developed through a partnership between LMETB and Harcourt Technologies (HTL).

Apprentices pursuing Foundation and Bachelor Science Degrees in Digital Construction Management and Quantity Surveying gained hands-on experience with technology that's revolutionising the construction industry. The state-of-the-art 3D concrete printer demonstrates how digital models can be transformed into physical structures layer by layer, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in construction projects demonstrating significant benefits in reduced timelines, cost savings through automated process and minimised material waste for enhanced sustainability.

Industry-Leading Partnership 

This initiative stems from a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between SRC and LMETB, establishing a powerful cross-border collaboration focusing on Advanced Construction and Engineering/Manufacturing. Apprentices had the unique opportunity to engage with industry experts from HTL and LMETB, examining test buildings and gaining practical insights into the future of construction technology.

"This experience demonstrates a glimpse into the future of construction," says Fiona Bradley, Assistant Director of Further Education and Training in SRC. "By exposing our Apprentices to revolutionary technologies like the COBOD printer, we are ensuring that they graduate with the skills and knowledge of the innovative technologies needed to lead the construction industry forward."

Future-Ready Graduates 

The integration of advanced technologies like 3D concrete printing into SRC's curriculum demonstrates the college's commitment to preparing industry-ready professionals. Through partnerships with industry leaders and exposure to cutting-edge technology, SRC continues to position itself at the forefront of construction education in the region.

This innovative approach to education ensures SRC graduates enter the workforce with practical experience in the latest construction technologies, making them valuable assets to future employers and the construction industry as a whole.

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 13 March 2025

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Teachers and students in secondary schools across Newry and surrounds are invited to take part in Bank of Ireland’s All Ireland Money Smarts Challenge, a series of virtual financial literacy quizzes, taking place in March.  The quizzes are part of Bank of Ireland’s free ‘Money Smarts’ financial literacy programme for Second Level students, with workshops and events designed to provide students with both financial literacy and key life skills.   

The Money Smarts Programme is designed to help students learn about managing their finances and to develop important financial literacy skills.  The programme is delivered to students by Bank of Ireland’s Community Engagement Associates through financial literacy presentations, tailored for post primary students.  Bank of Ireland’s local Community Engagement Associates can deliver the Money Smarts programme on request from schools and teachers, and can agree dates and times to meet existing class schedules.  

Now in its sixth year, the Money Smarts Challenge, an interactive quiz element of the programme, is open for registration to secondary schools across the country:  

There will be four virtual Money Smarts Challenge quizzes in 2025.  Each school can register a maximum of five teams of four students.  Virtual event dates are Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th of March 2025.

There will be two virtual quizzes on each of these dates at 9.30am and 11.30am each day. The highest scoring three teams in each of the four virtual quizzes will be awarded prizes.  Twelve schools in total will win Money Smarts Challenge top prizes across these four virtual Money Smarts Challenge events. The three top scoring teams in each quiz will take home a cash prize* for their school.

Elisha McNulty, Community Engagement Manager at Bank of Ireland UK said: “We have lots of free financial wellbeing resources on our website for teachers, students and young people to help have positive conversations about money and to help equip young people with the skills and confidence to make informed decisions and take charge of their financial future. 

“Programmes like Money Smarts play a role in helping to ensure young people are equipped with the skills to make smart financial decisions, and would encourage local schools to get involved and encourage their students to show off their Money Smarts by taking part.” 

Registration for the  Money Smarts Challenge is now open: Money Smarts Challenge 2025 - Bank of Ireland UK 

For further information on Bank of Ireland UK’s supports for youth financial wellbeing is available at: www.bankofirelanduk.com

* In each quiz, first prize will be €2,000 (or £ equivalent) to the school with the highest score, €1,000 (or £ equivalent) to the school with the second highest score and third prize will be €500 (or £ equivalent) to third placed school.  

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 16 March 2025

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Southern Regional College has switched its printed promotional materials to carbon balancing printing in support of its aim to reduce the College’s overall carbon impact. Carbon balancing aims to reduce the impact of paper use and printing by offsetting carbon emission from the process by engaging in environmental initiatives that actually protect forests. 

The newly created SRC Further Education and Apprenticeship Course Guides seen the College balance 123kg of carbon emissions and enable the World Land Trust to protect 24 metres squared of critically threatened rain forest; a real and measurable impact. Additional carbon balancing benefits will follow with the implementation of carbon balancing initiatives across all course guides and materials.

The College effectively demonstrates how educational institutions can balance environmental responsibility with influential marketing strategies effectively.  The College's 2025/26 course guides show smart design choices with a slimmed down single printed A2 fold out leaflet reducing printed page volume by 75% over the past two years. 

This initiative will help to reduce paper waste whilst also delivering quality content.  Detailed information on all courses, including module information, entry requirements and assessment methods is always available on the College website to aid applicants in the decision-making process.

Raymond Sloan, Director of Client Services at Southern Regional College commented: “The College remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint and plays a central and transformative role in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals which we have committed to.  Gone are the bulky prospectuses, replaced with fully recyclable, slimmed down course guides which include carbon-balancing. This is an important factor in ensuring we continue to meet our commitments under the SDG Accord.” 

The College's commitment to carbon balancing in its marketing materials stems from the College signing up to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord in 2023. The SDG Accord is an initiative within the College and University sector which aims to advance the role education has in delivering solutions to the world’s biggest problems. SRC’s new course guides specifically meets the responsible consumption and production goal through the reduction of waste production and revitalised efforts towards digital consumption. 

Carbon balancing is delivered in partnership with the World Land Trust, an international conservation charity and helps with the protection and restoration of threatened forests in the tropics. 

Michelle Currie, Head of Marketing, Communications & Student Recruitment further commented: “By transitioning from a traditional printed prospectus to concise, targeted leaflets on carbon-balanced paper, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also making it easier for prospective students to access key course information. This shift reflects our commitment to sustainability and our understanding of how students prefer to engage with us. Our website will now serve as a central hub for more dynamic, up-to-date content, ensuring that students have a more personalised and accessible experience when exploring their educational options."

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 19 March 2025

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Southern Regional College’s commitment to sustainability is not just a goal but a core part of the College’s ethos. Sixteen managers at the college have recently achieved Carbon Literacy accreditation through the Carbon Literacy Programme. The certification, delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, underscores the College’s ongoing efforts to foster environmental awareness and action within the College.

The Carbon Literacy Programme provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand climate change and its impact, empowering individuals and organisations to take action to reduce carbon footprints. 

As members of the SRC Sustainability Working Group the managers are playing a vital role in advocating for and integrating sustainable practices across campuses. To date the Working Group has taken steps to reduce printing and implement actions to reduce energy consumption across campuses whilst promoting digital alternatives.  Other actions have included rewilding projects, involving ecological restoration projects, to increase biodiversity and moving from nature protection to recovery and restoration. 

The training, which was designed and delivered by the experts at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, equips the managers with the tools to lead by example and influence change within their teams and the wider college community. With climate change being one of the most urgent global challenges, the accreditation ensures that these leaders are well-placed to make informed decisions, promote green practices, and drive sustainability initiatives throughout the College.

Lindsay Bronte, Organisational Development Manager at Southern Regional College commented: “Our focus on carbon literacy aligns with SRC’s broader strategy to promote environmental stewardship and prepare our students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. These 16 managers, with their enhanced knowledge of carbon reduction, are now equipped to inspire and guide others in adopting sustainable practices across all aspects of college life.

"But our journey doesn't stop here. In the coming months, further training will be offered to both staff and students to extend the benefits of carbon literacy across our entire college community. We understand that sustainability is a collective effort, and by providing this training, we aim to engage all members of our community in meaningful action towards a greener future."

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 24 March 2025

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A very special visitor turned up at Abbey Grammar School, Newry last week along with some high achieving past pupils. The Sam Maguire cup and members of the victorious 2024 All Ireland winning Armagh senior football team got a rousing reception.

Past pupil Paddy Burns arrived first with Sam and after a brief introduction with staff it was straight to a question and answer session with some of the school's football teams. The senior MacRory panel, the Rannafast finalist and the Dalton team who played in this week’s semi final were treated to stories of school days, playing days and stand out moments from the summer of 2024. 

The session was hosted by the Abbey’s new GAA development officer, Mr Kevin McKernan, an initiative part funded by both the Armagh and Down County boards. It was a lovely to see a former Down star putting the questions to the Armagh corner back, county differences set aside as two Abbey men and indeed Burren GAA club men spoke to the enthralled audience.

As the morning went on the Abbey welcomed other past pupils Callum O’Neill, Sean Conlon and Niall Rowland who met staff and had photos taken with staff and students alike. It was a great morning with lots of reminiscing about the great days of last summer and also years gone by. 

An Abbey spokesperson said "We are very grateful to the members of the current panel and extend our congratulations also to those past pupils who were not able to attend, Kieran McGeeney, Connaire Mackin and Finbar Burns. The current student body will no doubt try to emulate the feats of these great past pupils as they wear school, club and county jerseys with pride."

The school currently has over 80 pupils at Yr8 training and have GAA panels and development squads in all other year groups.

It was a day to celebrate the Abbey's proud sporting tradition, inspirational role models and a bright future.

Columba O'Hare

Category: Education

Published: 24 March 2025