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Southern Regional College’s (SRC) Music Department is proud to launch ‘Frequency Finder: The SRC Music Dept Podcast’, a brand-new platform dedicated to showcasing the voices, talent, and behind-the-scenes insights of Northern Ireland’s dynamic music scene.
Hosted by Factory 61, Frequency Finder delves into the journeys of artists, live sound engineers, and music industry professionals, as well as deep dives into music production and alumni success stories. Whether you're a student, aspiring musician, or industry enthusiast, this podcast is your gateway to the sounds and stories shaping Northern Ireland’s thriving music community.
In the debut episode, Paddy Craig, course co-ordinator for SRC’s Creative Music and Audio Production BA (Hons) Degree, sits down with Dani Larkin, one of Ireland’s most captivating contemporary folk artists. They explore her early songwriting spark, creative process, and experiences working in the industry. Following their discussions, the live podcast audience was treated to an exclusive Factory Sessions performance.
Upcoming guests include front-of-house engineer Lee McMahon, who has toured with ‘The 1975’, ‘And So I Watch You From Afar’, and ‘Pale Waves’, along with award winning sound engineer Ian Vennard, Head of Sound and Light at the Lyric Theatre. Expect candid discussions, insider knowledge, and inspiring stories from those making an impact in the local and international music scene.
‘Frequency Finder’ is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube with the first full length episode available now.
Keep up-to-date with the latest events and releases from SRC Music Department by following them on Facebook and Instagram @srcmusicdept, and on Instagram @wearefactory61.
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Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald is encouraging A Level and Level 3 Extended Diploma students to consider applying for the 2025 JP McManus All Ireland Scholarship Scheme.
The annual scholarships, first offered in Northern Ireland in 2009, are funded by businessman JP McManus and provide financial assistance to top-performing students from low-income households who intend to take up full-time undergraduate courses in the coming autumn. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate degree programme.
Recognising the opportunities afforded by the scholarships, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Education can be life-changing but many students face a real financial burden. By providing financial support these scholarships will help remove that barrier and open up opportunities to more people. To date 351 students from the north have been awarded a scholarship and it is great news that 25 more are now available.”
Taylor McGrath-McAllister, a second-year Natural Sciences student at Homerton College, University of Cambridge said: “The All-Ireland Scholarship has been a huge help in easing the financial burden of moving to England for university. It covers most of my rent which takes away a lot of the stress around money, especially in an expensive city like Cambridge. But the scholarship is more than just financial support. There’s a great community of alumni behind it with plenty of opportunities to connect and network.”
Second year student Elizabeth Poucher, who is studying Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast, commented: “Based on my results my school teachers encouraged me to apply for the scholarship and I am so grateful that they did. It was easy to apply and winning this scholarship has definitely eased the financial stress of university and allows me to have more time to focus on my studies. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for a scholarship and in the weeks coming up to the exams put the extra effort in to getting the best results you can.”
The 25 Northern Ireland scholarships will be awarded to the top 19 performing ‘A’ level students in grant aided post primary schools and the top six performing Level 3 Extended Diploma students in the further education colleges.
Applicants must have been in receipt of the Educational Maintenance Allowance at the time of examination and due to commence an undergraduate degree at a university or further education college in September / October 2025.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm on Thursday 28 August 2025.
Further information and details on how to apply are available from nidirect at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/all-ireland-scholarships and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment at ccea.org.uk
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Students from the Southern Regional College’s Creative Music and Audio Production Foundation Degree have returned from a transformative four day international tour to Berlin. The music students showcased their original music with stunning performances on a global stage.
The tour featured performances and creative projects by three emerging artists - The Magic, Discworld, and Saran - who took the German capital by storm. At the heart of the tour was an exclusive recording session at the world-renowned concert and event venue, Funkhaus Berlin, in collaboration with creative partners Catalyst Institute for Creative Arts & Technology, as part of The Magic’s upcoming "Live in Berlin" film series. You can also see The Magic at an upcoming gig at The Magnet Centre on Saturday 3 May supporting Problem Patterns.
Saran and their band delivered a powerful live set at the iconic Speiches Rock and Blues Bar, captivating the Berlin crowd and earning a well-deserved encore. Meanwhile, Discworld turned the streets of Berlin into a film set, shooting a music video at the legendary Teufelsberg Radio Towers.
This immersive project was made possible by the students’ own dedication. Over 8 months, they raised more than £4,500 through a series of lunchtime gigs and full-scale events, putting on over 10 live shows throughout the year.
The tour stands as a testament to SRC’s commitment to real-world creative development through its Creative Music and Audio Production Foundation Degree - a forward-thinking programme that puts students at the centre of the music industry.
The project was proudly supported by local businesses, whose sponsorship helped bring this unforgettable journey to life.
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Last wee St Patrick’s High School, Keady welcomed two of the most iconic trophies in Irish and international sport — the Sam Maguire and the Claret Jug.
The visit marked a proud moment for the school and the wider community, as the trophies were paraded in celebration of sporting excellence and the values of teamwork, determination, and local pride. Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty was on hand to see the historic event.
Speaking after the event, Mr McNulty said: "It was an absolute privilege to visit St. Patrick’s High School today to celebrate not only the arrival of the Sam Maguire and the Claret Jug, but the outstanding achievements of this school community.
“The energy and enthusiasm at the school was electric — a testament to the spirit that lives at the heart of this school. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the arts, the students of St. Patrick’s are excelling and making their community proud."
Mr McNulty continued "The culture of excellence at St. Patrick’s doesn’t happen by accident. It’s down to the unwavering commitment of the teaching staff, leadership team, and support workers who go above and beyond every day to create a nurturing and high-achieving environment. They are shaping not only successful students, but resilient and compassionate young people.
"St. Patrick’s is a beacon of community pride — where talent is recognised, nurtured, and celebrated. Days like this remind us all what can be achieved when young people are supported to dream big and work hard."
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Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership recently hosted a ‘Get Into Tech’ event in partnership with Bring IT On to promote the various pathways to start a career in Technology.
Local school and Further Education college pupils were given the opportunity to hear from a high-calibre panel of industry professionals, including Alan McEneaney from PayPal, Tina Calder of Excalibur Press, and Eammon Brankin of Digital IT. The session provided an insightful deep dive into pursuing technology as a viable and rewarding career path.
Speakers offered an overview of the diverse range of roles available in the tech sector, including software development, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. They also highlighted the various pathways into the industry, from academic routes to hands-on experience. A key takeaway was the importance of developing in-demand skills—many of which can be cultivated from an early age through interests and hobbies, such as gaming, coding, and digital creativity.
Local employers were also in attendance and actively engaged with participants about current and future career opportunities, with a particular focus on technology. These included representatives from PayPal, Collins Aerospace, First Derivatives and Re-Gen Waste. In addition, local colleges SERC and SRC were present, alongside the Careers Service, offering further guidance on educational and career pathways in the sector.
Addressing the event on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne and Councillor Alan Lewis, Chair of the Council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee, said, “Recognising that technology is the future and the future is now, Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership has provided this fantastic opportunity to help our residents to find out more about the endless possibilities in Technology and how they can be part of it. Attendees were presented with a clear pathway towards starting or developing a fulfilling career in technology, even if they have no prior experience or qualifications in the field."
The Bring IT On programme seeks to address the skills shortage and employability issues within the IT sector in Northern Ireland. Talking about the importance of the event, Bring IT On representative, Diana Atchison said, “Our mission is to ensure that IT businesses have a pipeline of skilled talent fit for industry needs. Events like this are a great way to harness that talent.”
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.
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Ten current and recent students from Southern Regional College have been handpicked to be part of WorldSkills UK squad, joining WorldSkills UK’s 18-month intensive training programme aiming to be selected for the final squad representing the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai, to be held from 22-27 September 2026.
Caolan McCartan and Jason McVerry from Newry and John Doherty who works at Norbrook are just three of the ten.
Southern Regional College (SRC) has produced the highest number of competitors in training among colleges across the UK for this prestigious competition. The students and apprentices were selected after excelling in the WorldSkills UK National Finals.
Joining the squad are:
|
Name |
Skill |
Course |
Hometown |
Employer |
|
Oisin McKerr |
Car Painting |
Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
Lurgan |
Porters Bodyshop Portadown |
|
Ben Robertson |
Car Painting |
Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
Portadown |
G & H Auto Repairs, Dungannon |
|
Ruth Douglas |
Chemical Laboratory Technician |
Applied Industrial Sciences - Chemical Level 5 Foundation Degree |
Banbridge |
Almac Group, Portadown |
|
Annabelle Hughes |
Cooking |
Professional Cookery Level 3 FDQ Diploma |
Loughgall, Armagh |
Ghan House, Carlingford |
|
Jonathan Gough |
Electrical Installation |
Electrotechnical (Electrical Installation) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
Waringstown |
MD Electrics, Portadown |
|
Conor McDonnell |
Electrical Installation |
Electrotechnical (Electrical Installation) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
Armagh |
Nesbitt Electrical, Armagh |
|
Caolan McCartan |
Industry 4.0 |
Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) Level 5 Foundation Degree |
Camlough, Newry |
Collins Aerospace, Kilkeel |
|
Patrick Sheerin |
Industry 4.0 |
Engineering BEng Level 6 (Hons) Degree |
Portadown |
AJ Power, Portadown |
|
John Doherty |
Mechatronics |
Engineering BEng Level 6 (Hons) Degree |
Portadown |
Norbrook Laboratories, Newry |
|
Jason McVerry |
Mechatronics |
Engineering BEng Level 6 (Hons) Degree |
Belleeks, Newry |
Redrock Machinery, Collone, Armagh |
These talented students represent a cross-section of the College’s diverse offerings, with participants from levels ranging from level 3 apprenticeships to degree students. Their selection highlights the depth of skills fostered at the College.
It is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition. The event will see 1,500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 counties to compete in technical skill disciplines from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality in front of an audience of 250,000.
The WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as the ultimate test of a nation’s ability to meet future skills needs. It is attended by government representatives, educationalists and leading employers from across the globe.
WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the international WorldSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK, and by working with education, industry and UK governments it is embedding world class training standards throughout the skills sector. This is helping to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce in crucial sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing and construction.
The UK will be competing in over 30 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration and Renewable Energy.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “We are incredibly proud to see ten of our students selected to train with the Team UK squad for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Each student has put in an arduous amount of work and demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill to have excelled in their respective category at a national level. To be selected to be in the running for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is a phenomenal achievement but also a unique opportunity to take their talents to a global stage.”
“At the College, we are committed to providing students with opportunities for continuous skills development, and I encourage all those selected to embrace this life-changing journey.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, SRC students will be developing the right skills to fuel business growth across our economy. With WorldSkills being hosted in Shanghai next year, it provides a fantastic platform for us to work closely with China, where we know skills excellence is a priority, to collaborate, innovate and learn from the very best in the world.”
Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications added: “Pearson is proud to sponsor Team UK! Boosting the profile and prestige of technical and vocational education is incredibly important to us and I wish this talented group of 86 young people from across the country the best of luck as they begin their training programme towards competing in Shanghai."
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024.
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Five exceptional students from Southern Regional College (SRC) have been selected by WorldSkills UK to join Team UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark.
Caolan McCartan, Newry; Jason McVerry, Belleeks; John Doherty, Portadown; Jonathan Gough, Warringstown and Patrick Sheerin, Portadown will compete against Europe’s top talent in the ultimate test of skill and expertise at this prestigious event from 9-13 September.
Held every two years, EuroSkillls is Europe’s largest skills competition, bringing together hundreds of young people under the ages of 25 from across 33 countries come together to compete for the coveted title of ‘Best in Europe’ in their respective fields. These students, who were recently named to Team UK, will now face the challenge of proving their talents on an international stage.
Students from Southern Regional College form the largest group of participants from any UK college.
The Students
|
Skill |
Competitor |
Hometown |
Employer |
|
Electrical Installation |
Jonathan Gough |
Waringstown |
MD Electrics |
|
Industry 4.0 |
Patrick Sheerin |
Portadown |
AJ Power |
|
Industry 4.0 |
Caolan McCartan |
Newry |
Pronto Engineering Group |
|
Mechatronics |
John Doherty |
Armagh |
Norbrook Laboratories |
|
Mechatronics |
Jason McVerry |
Belleeks |
Redrock Machinery |
The five students earned their place on Team UK following their success in national WorldSkills UK competitions. Having already navigated months of rigorous competition and selection processes, they are now in the final stages of an intensive training programme by industry experts to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead at EuroSkills Herning 2025.
EuroSkills Herning 2025 will serve as an important benchmark for the UK’s readiness to compete globally at the upcoming WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China in September 2026. Following EuroSkills, each student will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the UK team representing the country at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “What an achievement for five of our talented students to be selected to represent Team UK at EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes of their dedication, skill, and the high standard of education we provide at Southern Regional College.”
“These students embody the spirit of excellence that we strive for, and their hard work and passion will undoubtedly shine on this international stage. We wish them every success as they compete, and we are confident they will continue to make us all proud."
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK added: “We are so excited to be supporting and nurturing this fantastic group of young professionals as they head for Denmark to compete.”
“They will be tested to the highest standards, showcasing the skills that global employers are looking for, and will return to the UK with the knowledge and experience that will turbo charge their careers.”
“EuroSkills is ultimately a test of how internationally competitive UK skills are. It gives us the impetus to raise standards at home and help more young people get high quality jobs.”
Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said: “We are incredibly proud to support this inspiring group of young people as they prepare for the EuroSkills challenge this year. Celebrating the best of technical and vocational education and raising the prestige of the sector is very important to us. I wish Team UK the best of luck as they prepare to compete in Denmark in September."
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024.
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Northern Ireland's Further Education (FE) sector continues to lead the way in developing skilled professionals through its apprenticeship programmes. With strong industry partnerships, colleges such as Southern Regional College offer high-quality training that creates a job-ready workforce supporting the region's economic growth.
Apprenticeships NI, funded by the Department for the Economy, provides support at both Level 2 and Level 3. Level 2 programmes offer learners their first step into careers with practical experience while earning, while Level 3 apprenticeships deliver advanced technical skills and leadership training for those seeking specialist roles. These programmes span numerous sectors including engineering, IT, construction, health and social care, hospitality, and digital technologies.
On the World Stage
The quality of training is evidenced by outstanding performances in WorldSkills UK competitions, often described as the "Olympics of skills." At the most recent competition in Manchester (November 2024), Northern Ireland's FE sector secured an impressive 5 gold medals, 3 silver medals, 6 bronze medals and 1 highly commended, with one college placing second on the UK college leaderboard.
Why Choose an FE College Apprenticeship?
FE colleges offer distinct advantages for apprenticeship training:
Mel Higgins, Chair of the FE Sector Principals Group and WorldSkills UK Trustee said: "Apprenticeship programmes delivered within the FE sector are transforming lives and businesses across Northern Ireland. They empower individuals with meaningful career pathways and provide employers with a skilled, job-ready workforce. The continued success of our apprentices in WorldSkills competitions is a testament to the high standards of teaching and training delivered by our colleges."
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Students from Southern Regional College have demonstrated their exceptional culinary skills, securing top of the leaderboard in the Rotary Generation Chef final.
The competition which took place on 1 May at Belfast Met, brought together students from Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges, who had previously excelled in local competitions to earn their place at the final.
Southern Regional College's team consisted of Level 2 Professional Chef Traineeship students Callum McElarney from Newry and Leon Ruddy from Bleary and Danielle Grant, a Level 5 Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Foundation degree student from Carryduff.
The team prepared an epic three course meal that wowed the judges. The starter featured pan seared Kilkeel monkfish and Carlingford mussel fricassee with a seaweed dusted crisp oyster, accompanied by a warm tartare sauce and Mourne sea vegetable. This was followed by a main course of Hannan’s sugar pit pork loin, together with a pork and truffle honey croquette, turnip fondant, spring cabbage, sweet potato puree and Long Meadow cider jus.
To conclude this culinary delight, students served a desert of Neary Noggs chocolate delice, with elements of stacked liqueur ice-cream, a milk crumble and sea buckthorn gel.
Prior to the competition, students were required to design a three-course menu considering locality, seasonality and sustainability, with the front of house student designing a mood board which provided a rationale for the chosen dish and ingredients used.
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College commented: “What a fantastic result for Danielle, Callum, and Leon. Callum and Leon put in an immense amount of effort in planning and executing their award-winning dishes and Danielle excelled in the Front of House service. This result is a testament to their hard work and passion for Culinary Arts and the Hospitality Industry. This credit also extends to their Culinary Arts and Hospitality Lecturers. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for these talented individuals.”
The Rotary Clubs of Northern Ireland collaborated with the six Further Education Colleges across Northern Ireland to offer a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs to hone their skills, gain industry exposure, and compete at a national level. The competition embodies Rotary’s mission of fostering community growth, connecting people and supporting young talent.
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