PICTURES: Southern Regional College hosts Big Apprenticeship Event

The event ran alongside the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) Apprenticeship Week which occurred from February 3-7, 2025.

Current Southern Regional College apprenticeship students who spoke at the event, as part of the ambassador programme, were eager to encourage prospective applicants to investigate the various apprenticeship programmes and their benefits. Apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages, from school leavers to adult returners and those seeking a career change.

There remain no tuition fees associated with pursing an apprenticeship or higher level apprenticeship due to funding provided by DfE. While undertaking an apprenticeship or higher level apprenticeship, students earn a wage, so therefore there remains no financial burden or student loans to consider while undertaking one of these programmes.

The business and separate accounting foundation degree higher level apprenticeships were a popular choice amongst visitors at the Newry Big Apprenticeship Event with Dara McAleenan, a St. Colman’s student attending to speak with recruiting employers about career options in finance and business.

Newry St. Mary’s High School students Sarah McGinn and Katie Havern. Both attended the event to investigate career and course options post A-levels, with Sarah keen on pursing a foundation degree higher level apprenticeship in business and Katie torn between foundation degree higher level apprenticeships in sport and accounting.

Also attending the event was Katie Wadell accompanied by her mum Stephanie Wadell from Jerrettspass. Katie is a current 5th year student at Markethill High School. Katie attended the Newry Big Apprenticeship event to investigate possible career opportunities.

Attendees at the event heard about upcoming apprenticeship and higher-level apprenticeship opportunities starting September 2025 with over 40 employers and support organisations in attendance at the event.

Local Newry accountancy practice SP McKeown & Co were in attendance at the event, with the hope of recruiting two accounting technician higher level apprenticeships. Eimear McKevitt, Director at the practice commented:

“We hire apprentices because they are highly motivated and eager to learn. Their fresh perspective brings new ideas and innovative thinking, contributing valuable insights to the business.”

Canal Court Hotel & Spa General Manager David Arnold was also at the Newry Big Apprenticeship Event, with David stating “Canal Court is delighted to support initiatives to encourage young people to pursue a career in hospitality. The field offers incredibly rewarding opportunities. With hospitality skills, you can work anywhere in the world and by studying an apprenticeship you get the best of both worlds: practical experience and academic learning.”

Apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships offer potential students the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, while gaining relevant experience with an employer. There’s currently a huge range of qualifications available which includes foundation degree and top-up degree programmes. Degree programmes are externally validated by leading universities.

DfE’s theme for this year’s apprenticeship week was “Getting it Right for You” highlighting the many varied and flexible opportunities that exist with an apprenticeship. Southern Regional College offer 12 distinct level 2 apprenticeship opportunities and 13 level 3 apprenticeship opportunities across the College’s 5 campuses. Popular sectors include business, children’s care, construction, engineering, hairdressing & barbering, hospitality & food manufacturing to motor vehicles. A full list of apprenticeship opportunities is available of the College’s website.

For apprentice’s seeking to pursue degree level foundation and top-up degree qualifications, higher level apprenticeships are available in 20 areas including accounting, business, finance and marketing, computing, construction, engineering, bioscience, analytical science, sports & exercise and tourism, hospitality & events management.

Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “It has been incredible to witness the increased interest and enthusiasm for all things apprenticeships. The College has continuously developed the range of apprenticeship opportunities available, catering for the diverse interests and career pathways of people within the southern region.

Apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeships offer participants the distinct opportunity to train for a career in a chosen field, whilst being in employment. Our aspiration is to enable as many people as possible to start a career they enjoy and are passionate about. We look forward to September when we will be welcoming new apprentices starting their journey with Southern Regional College.”

Councillor Pete Byrne, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council further commented: “SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event was truly inspiring! It was wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and engagement from both prospective participants and local employers in our District. Events like these not only provide valuable opportunities for apprentices to engage with potential employers, but also enable our businesses to innovate and grow with new talent and skills. The partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership highlights the collaborative effort towards fostering meaningful career pathways and job creation in the District. It's great to see such initiatives shaping the future for both individuals and businesses alike!”