Minister launches Northern Regional College open days

The open days will be held on Wednesday, March 5 at the local Ballymena and Newtownabbey campuses; Monday 3 at the Coleraine campus: Tuesday 4 at Magherafelt; and Thursday 6 at the Ballymoney.

The Alliance minister said: “The Further Education (FE) sector plays a key role in the social and economic development of the people of Northern Ireland.

“Open days are an excellent opportunity for parents and prospective students of all ages to learn more about the wide range of courses and facilities available at their local college.

“Our local colleges offer a unique learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, along with quality learning and support services.”

He added: “Further Education Colleges play a key part in ensuring our people have the skills they need to fulfil their potential, get into work, stay in work and contribute to our
economy.

“People look to our colleges to learn new skills or engage in learning to help them prepare for the future.

“I recently launched the new ‘Skills to Succeed’ campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of skills and qualifications for individuals, employers and the economy.

“ The campaign highlights the vital role that skills play in supporting individuals and employers and the range of programmes, initiatives and options that are available.

“No matter what stage you are at in your career, whether starting out and making initial careers choices or deciding to upskill or reskill to improve your employability and career prospects, skills are vital at all levels and throughout everyone’s working life.”

Academic, careers and student support staff will be on hand at each open day to advise, guide and help everyone attending.

Events will host exhibitions of students work, tours of the facilities, industry seminars, curriculum and careers workshops as well as interactive activities.

Dr Farry urged prospective students: “Our local colleges can provide different routes to achieving your future goals, offering a wide variety of options including apprenticeships, essential skills course, foundation degrees and vocational qualifications.

“For many young people thinking about the future, their career decisions can seem daunting which is why attending open day events is so crucial.

“Open day events enable prospective students and their parents to make informed decisions and see what College life is really
like.

“They will get the opportunity to chat to students already studying at the College, learn more about subject areas and course options, and see the facilities
first-hand.”

The belfast Met open days take place this Saturday (February 8) and Thursday 13 at the Titanic Quarter Campus.

Further information on Northern Ireland’s Regional Colleges is available on http://www.anic.ac.uk/ and www.nidirect.gov.uk/further-education