The six further education colleges in Northern Ireland have celebrated the achievements of their students and staff at the Further Education NI Excellence Awards which were hosted in Cookstown.
Now in its second year, the evening saw almost 50 students recognised at the awards ceremony at the Glenavon Hotel, with award categories reflecting the wide spectrum of learning levels and pathways available across the further education sector, from introductory and supported learning to apprenticeships, higher education and lifelong learning.
South West College student Kate Grant welcomed guests on the evening. A model and advocate from Cookstown, Kate made history in 2018 by becoming the first model with Down’s syndrome to win an international beauty title. She has since continued to be a transformative force in the fashion industry and a role model across further education.
The ceremony was also opened by Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, Janis Scallon, who gave an address.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education, DfE, said:
“Our further education sector plays a vital role in our economic and social progress. Through strong partnerships with industry and across government, colleges equip people with the skills to succeed, support business growth, and contribute to a more inclusive, productive and regionally balanced economy.
“The sector continues to deliver strong outcomes in a challenging financial context, demonstrating strong value for money while responding to increasing demand.
“The Further Education 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.”
Guests heard from Cathy McNally, a lifelong learner from South Eastern Regional College (SERC). A mother to four children and a previous foster carer for the South Eastern Trust, Cathy returned to education when she subsequently became inspired to pursue a career in social care, and enrolled in an Access Course with SERC.
Staff Recognition Awards for Lifetime Contributions were also presented on the night to 12 staff who between them have over 325 years’ service in the FE sector.
In addition to being recognised for their work in Further Education, they were also recognised for the contributions they make in their local community. Recipients on the night included caretaker Colin Martin, who has been caretaker at South Eastern Regional College since 1994; Una Fitzpatrick, Associate Lecturer in Hairdressing at Southern Regional College where she has taught for 40 years; and Carol Thompson, a Curriculum Manager in early years at North West Regional College who developed creche in Limavady for socially isolated mums to undertake courses in College.
Other staff award recipients on the night included Tanzya Teague, a Health and Social Care Lecturer at Northern Regional College for her work in promoting the visibility and credibility of early years provision across the region; and George Elwood, a student support assistant at Belfast Met who has dedicated over 40 years of his career to supporting students with severe and complex learning difficulties.
Incoming Chair of the Further Education Colleges Principals Group, Lee Campbell, also gave an address on the evening.
She said:
"The Further Education Excellence Awards are a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the truly remarkable talent we have across our colleges in Northern Ireland, both in our learners and in the staff who guide and inspire them every day.
"Northern Ireland's economy is evolving at pace, and our colleges are rising to meet that challenge — equipping students with the skills, confidence and ambition to thrive in Apprenticeships, Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and beyond. It is deeply rewarding to see that work recognised and celebrated in this way.
"Behind every award nomination is a story of dedication, from lecturers who have went the extra mile to our students who have overcame real challenges to get here. We are proud to have this opportunity to honour all of them."
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