NRC and local students celebrate 'being the best'

CELEBRATING excellence was the theme of a very special day, last week, for seven outstanding students who were recognised for their exceptional achievements in Occupational Studies at an awards ceremony in CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) headquarters.

The students honoured were chosen from all over Northern Ireland and were acknowledged as Being the Best for their accomplishments, motivation and skills.

Awarded with the accolade ‘Learners of the Year’ the pupils all attended NRC one day per week and studied four modules as part of their training to achieve their Occupational Studies qualification.

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Over 15,000 young people during their Year 11 and Year 12 at school study on the CCEA Occupational Studies programme which focuses on job related learning and offers students the opportunity to gain work related skills in a number of vocational areas.

Of the seven outstanding students celebrating with NRC, two attend Ballymena schools - David Cameron from Ballee Community High School who received a construction award, Gemma Walker from St Patrick’s College Ballymena who received her award for Hairdressing & Beauty.

Award winner Gemma Walker said: “I was always interested in Hairdressing and Beauty and my school recommended that I should go on this programme at NRC.

“It gave me a taste of what it would be like as a career and because of the Occupational Studies programme I am now on a course to become a qualified Hairdresser.”

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Congratulating the students on their achievements Tom Heaney, Principal Lecturer in Curriculum Partnerships at NRC said: “Pupils from the local schools attend NRC to pursue this programme. It is an excellent choice for those who wish to learn practical skills and gain valuable experience in preparation for progression to employer based training programmes or employment.

“All the award winners are outstanding students on this programme. It is a day of celebrations for all of the students, partner schools and academic staff,” he added.

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