James Orr is a Wood Machining apprentice in our Downpatrick campus, he initially completed an NVQ Level 2 with and has since progressed to an NVQ Level 3.

James was born with a tumour behind his eye which resulted in a condition called Neurofibromatosis.  This has restricted his vision to one eye.  James has never seen his disability as being a barrier and was always determined to take up a career in Wood Machining. With additional support from College staff he successfully completed the NVQ Level 2 and progressed to Level 3.   Recently he attended the DEL Apprenticeship of the Year Awards and attained runner up in the category of Personal Achievement.  James is employed by Mark Rooney who is fully supportive of his training.

Upon completion of his NVQ Level 3 James hopes, after getting a few years experience under his belt, to start up a business, with the long term aim of one day having employees of his own to pass his training onto.