NRC students celebrate graduation

Pictured at the NRC Princes Trust programme graduation are Mark McCall, RFCA Lecturer, students Heather Lockhart, Adam Neill and Kathryn Kelly with Gerry Drake, NRC Princes Trust programme co-ordinator.

The highly successful programme run at NRC aims to offer young people the opportunity to obtain either a Level 1 or 2 Prince’s Trust Certificate in employment, teamwork and community skills qualification.

During their training, the students participated in outdoor pursuits, team building projects and community projects. They were also given the opportunity to gain experience within a work placement, develop their skills in preparing CV’s, job applications, interview skills and were provided with career advice.

Programme co-ordinator Gerry Drake said: “I am so proud of this group of students and what they have achieved over the last twelve weeks.

“The students raised an amazing £1,200 for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice during their course and worked extremely hard on all projects undertaken during their studies.”

The graduation ceremony included guests from Department for Employment and Learning, European Social Fund, Children’s Hospice, Reserve Forces Cadets Association, Peace Players International, Belfast Community Sports Development Network, Opportunity Youth and the Royal Navy.

The Prince’s Trust programme run by the college is invaluable when it comes to helping young people re-engage with learning. It provides and supports them with the skills and qualifications needed to give them the confidence to seek employment or apply for further education or training courses.

Glyn Hamilton who graduated at the college stated that: “I have just completed the Prince’s Trust course at NRC Newtownabbey. I was doing absolutely nothing before I was told about the course at my local job centre.

“I thought it looked quite good, I got an interview and was successful in obtaining a place. I started off the course very shy and with no confidence.

“Although I didn’t know anyone when I walked in on the first day that didn’t last long. “I’ve now made lots of new friends and this course has helped me big style. I would recommend it to others and I now plan to continue my studies at NRC Newtownabbey in Sports studies in September 2013.”