Carnlough Covid-19 wards volunteer shortlisted for national education award

Jacqui McAllister, who co-ordinates Health and Social Care courses at the Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey campus, is shortlisted for the Tes Further Education (FE) Leader of the Year Award – the only individual from Northern Ireland to make the list.

The awards are open to teachers, leaders, training providers and behind-the-scene teams.

Having identified a growing demand for suitably qualified healthcare workers, Jacqui helped spearhead the further expansion of Health and Social Care courses at the college, resulting in a steady increase in student enrolment in recent years.

She explained: “Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the health and social care system in Northern Ireland was facing significant challenges. Healthcare care staff are on the frontline, providing care and support to people with a range of needs arising out of disabilities, illness or old age.

“By equipping staff with the necessary skills to provide the best possible care, they can help transform lives.”

Jacqui believes in leading by example and during the lockdown, she worked weekends as a healthcare assistant in the Covid-19 wards in Antrim Area Hospital. Read here

“How could I teach my students about compassion and courage if I wasn’t prepared to do it myself?” she said pragmatically.

“We’re all in this together so by stepping up myself, I hope I’m modelling best practice to my students. With so many of them working on the frontline at the minute, I felt it was only right that I should do the same.”

Jacqui said the demand for qualified healthcare workers is creating more opportunities for anyone interested in pursuing a caring role.

“The Health and Social Care courses at the college provide a pathway to academic success and/or employment. Students can progress from Level 2 all the way to Level 5 and our former students know from their own personal experience how accredited qualifications can improve both their employability and career prospects.”

Traditionally, the awards are presented at a gala evening in London but this year, they will be presented at an online awards ceremony this Friday (October 16) at 8pm.

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