SERC Lisburn winners celebrated at Sector Excellence Awards
The achievements of students and staff from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) were celebrated at an event in Cookstown, hosted to highlight success across the further education sector in Northern Ireland.
And one SERC student from Lisburn was given the opportunity to tell the audience about her experience as an adult returner to education, and the positive impact SERC had on her life.
Cathy McNally, who won the SERC Excellence in Lifelong Learning award, described her path back into education, and how her confidence grew progressively.
She also took the opportunity to thank the teaching staff on her Access Diploma course, who showed her the possibilities open to her and supported and encouraged the class in their learning. Cathy has a place on a degree course in sociology and social policy at Queen’s University Belfast in September.
The ceremony saw top students in every level, from foundation learning to higher education, awarded trophies. In addition, presentations were made to staff who had made significant contributions to college life over many years.
The student award winners from SERC were:
Excellence in a Traineeship Programme: Robbie Johnston, studying Carpentry and Joinery.
Excellence in Apprenticeship Training: Cameron McRoberts Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry and Joinery – employed by Timbermark Lisburn.
Excellence in Lifelong Learning: Cathy McNally, who has just completed the Level 3 Access Diploma in Foundation Studies.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, told the winners and guests: “Our further education sector plays a vital role in our economic and social progress. The Further Education Excellence Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our colleges and those who contribute to their success.
"At a time when skills have never been more important, it is right that we acknowledge this contribution and maintain our shared ambition to go further - improving outcomes, widening opportunity, and ensuring the sector remains central to our local economy.”
Tommy Martin, SERC principal and chief executive, said: “I am proud of our student award winners, whose achievements highlight the incredible talent, determination and ambition that exists across our college.
"From apprentices and higher-level apprentices achieving success on regional, national and international stages, to students excelling in higher education and lifelong learning, they demonstrate the transformative opportunities Further Education provides.
"Their success is an inspiration to current and future learners, and a testament to the strength of our college community.”