Applications to study locally surge

A spokesperson for the North-West Regional College confirmed that: “for the forthcoming 2012-13 Academic Year, our total number of applications received for full-time courses has increased by 11% since the same period last year. (figures as received from end of May 2012).”

DUP councillor James McCorkell said that the apparent upsurge in interest in local colleges was a welcome revelation for Limavady, since it could mean more people in the town centre.

SDLP councillor Michael Coyle also welcomed the news, saying that “it was a welcome development for education in the Borough of Limavady.”

A spokesperson for the NWRC said that the local college were “happy to report” a growing interest in their full-time courses.

He said: “To-date we are happy to report a growth in the number of applications we have received from our Full-Time programmes which start this coming September. We believe that this increase is due in no small way to our work with local secondary schools, particularly through the Roe Valley Learning Partnership, and also as a result of a number successful events we have held at our main sites in Limavady during the year.

“Our full-time programmes are geared towards school-leavers, and enable them to choose a specialised course which can offer incentives to progress from our College directly into local employment or onto higher education at university, and places are still available for those students who are yet to apply.

“Our message to everyone in the local area is to make an application to our College, regardless of whether they are certain of what their next step may be come September. We will be available and willing to provide the guidance and advice on the options we have on offer throughout the summer months.”

DUP councillor James McCorkell pointed to the economic benefits, as well as the fact that the increase in applications meant the college was “getting a bit of recognition.”

He said: “Well I think that it is obviously great that people are staying locally now rather than going elsewhere to study. Maybe it could be connected with the fees, although it is difficult to say.

“Maybe the cost in general of travel might be having an impact, encouraging people to stay locally for their studies.

“If our own colleges are being used more, it’s going to be good for the economy. The big message from the town-centre’s traders at the minute is to keep people in the town centre. Now that the courthouse is closed, a lot of trade has been lost, so anything that keeps people in the town centre has to be welcomed – for the café owners and people like that.

“Even leaving the education side of things to one side, the economy is bound to get some sort of reward by having bodies on the ground, if they are able to take on the extra students.

“It obviously shows a bit of recognition for the college itself and the good work being done there.”

SDLP Alderman Michael Coyle added: “The SDLP in Limavady would welcome the increase in applications from people looking to engage in courses at the NWRC. This is an encouraging development in education in the Borough of Limavady.”