SRC students and staff honoured at first-ever Further Education NI Excellence Awards

The inaugural awards ceremony was held at the Armagh City Hotel on Tuesday, June 4, 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 Armagh 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.”