News

Magherafelt healthcare student managing demands of study whilst working as a senior

Thursday
4th June 2020

Louise Glendinning, Level 4 Healthcare Practice student at Northern Regional College in Magherafelt is managing the demands of part-time study with working full-time as a Lead Senior Carer in a local privately-owned care home. Despite the challenges of having to complete the first year of the two-year course remotely as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, Louise says she is enjoying the course and would have no hesitation recommending it.

College Staff Support Charities in COVID Fight

Tuesday
26th May 2020

Cheryl McNeill was one of the many staff across all campuses who contributed to the success of the College’s recent Volunteer Day. Alongside her role as Business Engagement Officer at the Newtownabbey Campus, Cheryl is the founder of ‘Debut Dance Company’ – a Newtownabbey based social enterprise which offers dance classes that are fully accessible to all ages and abilities.

The outgoing Student President at Northern Regional College has reminded students that even though the College is closed, Student Support Services are still available. Since the lockdown caused by COVID-19, staff and students across further and higher education colleges in Northern Ireland have been exploring new ways to ensure that teaching and student support services continue remotely.

COVID-19 experience inspires College employee to support local hospital

Wednesday
20th May 2020

A Northern Regional College employee recovering from COVID-19 has led on efforts by her Scout Group to collect nighties and pyjamas, towels and toiletries for Craigavon Area Hospital. Dr Catherine Guy, Learning and Development Manager at the College, tested positively for the virus on 2nd April, necessitating several trips to the dedicated COVID-19 A&E facility at the hospital for scans and treatment required because of an ongoing chronic respiratory condition.

Portrush man conquers one-man ‘Ironman’ challenge in his garage to raise vital funds for charity

Friday
15th May 2020

A Portrush man has conquered the gruelling Ironman challenge – which he dubbed the inaugural ‘Ironman Portrush’ – in his garage to raise vital funds for the Extern Coronavirus Hardship Appeal. Aaron Ballantyne, who is Head of Science and Service Industries at Northern Regional College, embarked upon his own ‘Hell Freezes Over Tour (For a Good Cause)’, developing and completing his own one-man ‘Ironman Portrush’. In just 10 hours 28 minutes, Aaron completed a 12,000m indoor row, a 112-mile-cycle and a 26.2-mile marathon, with his bike and treadmill linked to the Zwift platform.

Magherafelt mum continues studies alongside working on the frontline during COVID-19

Tuesday
12th May 2020

A County Derry mother of three who is juggling part-time study at Northern Regional College with her work as a senior care assistant says the support from her lecturers has been excellent. Carol McCready, from Magherafelt has two sons aged 9 and 6 years and a 3 years old daughter. She works as a senior care assistant in a local care home and decided to do a Level 4 in Healthcare Practice to help progress her career. Although she has more than eight years working in a healthcare environment and is an experienced care worker, Carol said the course has really helped in her role as a senior care worker.