The other recipients are: Katie Mullan of Ireland Women’s national field hockey team; Gail Redmond, Women’s Domestic Manager for the Irish FA Foundation; and David Watson, Managing Director of Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) Ltd.
Founded on the site of a disused Royal Air Force station outside Crumlin in 1959, Langford Lodge Engineering initially established a customer base with Martin Baker Aircraft Company, and is now part of the RLC Engineering Group, a world-class provider of components and services to the aerospace industry
Mr Kelly’s relationship with the College dates back to 1998 when the College merged with the Ballymena Training Centre.
Jimmy detailed to the College the long-term strategy requirements of the manufacturing industry that the College would need to consider and he played an instrumental role in the development of off-the-job training for RLC company apprentices.
Jimmy’s dedication to young talent can also be seen through his esteemed position as a judge in Ballymena Rotary Club’s School Technology Tournament, a competition which introduces young people to engineering.
On receiving his Honorary Fellowship, Mr Kelly said: “I have always enjoyed working alongside the College to help young people in the progression of their careers in engineering. It is a real honour to have been recognised in this way and I’m delighted to accept this fellowship.”
Professor Terri Scott, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College said:
“We are extremely gratefully to Jimmy for his commitment to the College, particularly in being the driving force behind the introduction of the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Manufacturing.
“He has made a major contribution to the engineering industry and Northern Regional College will endeavour to continue build on Jimmy’s legacy and encourage many young people to complete their training and secure well-paid jobs in the engineering sector.”