“Don’t ever take education for granted. Treat it as a privilege and make the most of any opportunities for continuing professional development that will improve your employability.”
Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning, Mr McCluggage continued: “Most people will have several different careers in their lifetime, retraining along the way so they can take on different roles, depending on their life circumstances.
“Remember that our door is always open so please take advantage of any opportunities for learning, whether through formal qualifications or less formal training and development, that may come your way.
“We’ll always be delighted to welcome you back to the College and provide you with the learning opportunities and support needed to help you progress in your career.”
Congratulating the students on their success, he said it was important to recognise the support and encouragement students got from their lecturers and support staff.
“At Northern Regional College, we are very fortunate to have staff who are exceptional role models and who work tirelessly to inspire our students to help them achieve their qualifications.”
He also acknowledged the support students got from their families and friends.
“Modern life isn’t easy and there can be many distractions and challenges for young people to overcome. Without your support, I don’t believe we’d be celebrating the success of so many of our students today.”
Awards for academic achievement were presented to the highest achieving students on full time courses at each of the College’s six campuses. A number of individual awards were also presented for each campus, including: Inspirational Student of the Year; Student Class Representative of the Year; Student Union Officer of the Year; Further Education Student of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.
Inspirational Students of the Year awards went to Oisin Campbell from Desertmartin and Nicole Sands from Bellaghy. Both students were also awarded Highest Achieving Student awards.
Oisin, who has just completed Year 1 of a Level 3 Diploma in Sport, excelled in all aspects of the course and was also the Highest Achieving Student in his class. A past pupil of St Colm’s High School, Oisin is a keen sportsman. He plays Gaelic football and is an underage coach with his local club. He also volunteers with the Irish Special Olympics team.
Nicole finished top of her Level 2 Diploma Children’s Care Learning & Development, demonstrating a positive relationship with staff and children within her placement.
Student Class Representative of the Year was awarded to Rosaleen Sweeney from Maghera, a Level 3 Beauty Therapy student and Student Union Officer of the Year went to the campus vice-president, Shannon McKittrick, Magherafelt, who has completed Year 1 of a Level 3 Diploma in Travel & Tourism.
James Weir, Knockloughrim, who has completed a Level 3 Diploma in IT and Timothy McCaughey, Ballymena, Level 3 Diploma Construction & the Built Environment apprentice, were named FE Student of the Year and Apprentice of the Year respectively for the Magherafelt campus.