Bolster star Siún shines at OCN awards
Congratulations have gone to a local woman who has been named Third Sector Learner of the Year.
Siún McCarthy was nominated by Bolster Community at the OCN Learning Endeavour Awards 2025 at Titanic Belfast.
The annual awards, now in their seventh year, were hosted by Denise Watson and aim to celebrate the achievements of learners who have gone to exceptional lengths to achieve their learning goals.
Her nomination summary said: “Siún is a 32-year-old woman with a learning disability, living with her husband and two dogs.
"After experiencing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, she sought to regain her independence by volunteering at Bolster Community's social kitchen, which improved her confidence and social skills.
"Recognising her potential, Bolster Community invited Siun to join the Building Futures Programme, where she enrolled in Level 2 OCN courses in Managing Personal Finance and IT.
"This experience has empowered her, enhancing both her professional skills and personal confidence. Siun describes her journey as enriching, appreciating the supportive environment she has found.”
Siún also featured recently in Bolster’s 'Real Lives - Real Stories' photo-essay exhibition and the organisation congratulated her on win, adding: “Justina, Tracy (our Building Futures programme Leads) and the entire Bolster team are over the moon for her and so proud!”
There were also an award for Clanrye Group, who were named as Provider of the Year, beating competition from South Eastern Regional College and North West Regional College.
"Clanrye Group stands out as a beacon of community support, having dedicated over 40 years to empowering individuals and driving positive life changes,” their nomination summary said.
"At the heart of its mission is the commitment to support those furthest removed from the labour market, with transformative impacts in areas such as social inclusion, health and well-being, training, skills development, and employability.
"Clanrye Group’s integration of OCN qualifications across a wide range of programmes has been instrumental in bringing about this change, offering participants the opportunity to gain the qualifications, confidence, and skills they need to succeed."
Meanwhile Southern Regional College’s Yvonne McCaughy was highly commended in the Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year category.
Martin Flynn, Chief Executive OCN, said: “This year’s awards ceremony had an extra special feel to it given it’s our 30th anniversary year. I am delighted that once more OCN was able to provide a unique platform for learners to take centre stage, sharing their inspiring stories of achievement.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, who attended the event and gave the opening speech, said: “I was delighted to open the OCN Learning Endeavour Awards. OCN help people build confidence, gain recognised skills, and progress into meaningful employment. I offer my warmest congratulations to all the award nominees and winners and want to pay tribute to their commitment and inspiring stories.”
A total of £16,000 was awarded to learners and education and training providers through learning bursaries from across the province who have achieved extraordinary results, with some learners overcoming numerous personal hurdles to achieve their technical and professional OCN qualifications.