More than 200 learners have achieved special further education awards from North West Regional College (NWRC).
Hosted by the Millennium Forum in Londonderry, this awards event was the first of its kind for the college, enabling it to celebrate the achievements of further education learners who have undertaken Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 vocational courses at college campuses in Derry, Limavady and Strabane.
Among those 210 students achieving awards were rising NWRC stars Gavin Boyle, Northern Ireland’s recently crowned 2015 Apprentice of the Year, and Adrian Canning and Martin McLaughlin, two of Team UK’s squad for this year’s Worldskills finals, which will take place in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Certificates and prizes were presented to learners across college courses in Art & Design, Business, Computing, Construction, Engineering and Science, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Early Years, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Tourism and Sport, Media, Music and Performing Arts, Trades and Crafts.
Principal and chief executive Leo Murphy said: “I wish to extend my congratulations to each of our learners.
“Our college is at the absolute centre of the skills escalator in this region. We are proud to play an important role in the socio-economic fabric of the north west. We have done so much, but we have so much more to do, and we shall continue to develop our work in economic engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry added: “My department recognises the important role of further education. Today’s awards reflect the hard work of both learners and lecturers and are a testament to the transformative role that quality teaching can have.”