The achievements of 11 students and staff from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) were celebrated at an event in Cookstown recently, hosted to highlight success across the further education sector in Northern Ireland.
During the ceremony, one SERC student took to the stage to tell the audience about her experience as an adult returner to education, and the positive impact SERC had on her life.
Cathy McNally, from Lisburn, who won the SERC lifelong learner award, described her path back into education, and how her confidence grew progressively in the classroom. She also took the opportunity to thank the teaching staff on her Access Diploma course, who showed her the possibilities open to her and supported and encouraged the class in their learning. Cathy has a place on a degree course in sociology and social policy at Queen’s University Belfast in September.
The ceremony saw top further education students at every level, from foundation learning to higher education, awarded trophies. In addition, presentations were made to staff who had made significant contributions to college life over many years. Stephen McGreevy, SERC Lead Business Skills Manager, and SERC Newtownards Campus caretaker, Colin Martin, were recognised for exceptional service to further education, going above and beyond to support colleagues and students.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education, at the Department for the Economy, told the winners and guests,
“Our further education sector plays a vital role in our economic and social progress. The Further Education Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our colleges and those who contribute to their success. At a time when skills have never been more important, it is right that we acknowledge this contribution and maintain our shared ambition to go further - improving outcomes, widening opportunity, and ensuring the sector remains central to our local economy.”
Tommy Martin, SERC Principal and Chief Executive, said,
“I am equally proud of our student and staff award winners, whose achievements highlight the incredible talent, determination and ambition that exists across our college. From apprentices and higher-level apprentices achieving success on regional, national and international stages, to students excelling in higher education and lifelong learning, they demonstrate the transformative opportunities further education provides. Their success is an inspiration to current and future learners, and a testament to the strength of our college community.”
The student award winners from SERC were:
Excellence Award for Entry Level Study: Gabriel Carlin and Antonio Billo (both SERC Newtownards Campus) Skills for Life and Work.
Excellence in a Traineeship Programme: Robbie Johnston (SERC Lisburn Campus), L2 Carpentry and Joinery.
Excellence in Advanced Learning: Holt Dixon (SERC Bangor Campus) L3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management.
Excellence in Apprenticeship Training: Cameron McRoberts (SERC Lisburn Campus) L3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry and Joinery – employed by Timbermark Lisburn.
Excellence in the Higher Level Apprenticeship Programme: Grace Dugan (SERC Bangor Campus) HLA Culinary Arts – employed by Culloden Estate and Spa.
Excellence in Higher Education: Daniel Harrison and Shannon Gregson, (Both SERC Bangor Campus) BSc in Business Management (validated by Liverpool John Moores University).
Excellence in Lifelong Learning: Cathy McNally, (SERC Lisburn Campus) L3 Access Diploma in Foundation Studies.
