The events marked a poignant moment in the College’s history with the last Open Days in the current campus buildings before all course provision amalgamates and moves to a central Ballymena campus, which opens to students in September 2025. The rich history of the current campuses were acknowledged by visitors holding special memories for many people and supporting thousands of students over the years.
There was a 26.7% increase in people through the door from last year with over 1,000 visitors meeting with curriculum staff, local employers, College careers advisors and the student services team. They learnt more about the wide variety of courses on offer, including GCSE-equivalent (Level 2 Diploma/Traineeships) A-Level equivalent (Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma/Apprenticeships) and Higher Education options such as Foundation Degrees and Higher Level Apprenticeships.
There was a real buzz at the events, as prospective students were provided a behind-the-scenes look at what will be on offer and delivered from September 2025. Drone footage played at the events showed magnificent progress of the new building and added to the excitement ahead of the September opening date.
Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, the £51 million development project, will consolidate the College’s provision in Ballymena, offering world-class facilities for around 1,800 learners annually.
At its highest point, the 16,800m² building rises five storeys allowing staff, students and stakeholders to enjoy panoramic views to the east over the ECOS landscape towards Slemish in the distance and to the west linking the new St. Patrick’s regeneration site.
The new campus promises to provide innovative spaces for vocational, technical, and professional programmes, designed to support the development of skills and training for a modern workforce. The Innovation Zone will be a flexible events space which can host a range of activities including cross curriculum project-based learning, conferences and performances. The open plan learning staircase will greet visitors as they enter the building providing a flexible, fun and inviting area for break-out activities and group work.
There will be a training restaurant and hair and beauty salons, open to the public, at set times, providing our students with the opportunity to train in a real-life environment. In addition, there is a stand-alone sports zone which houses state-of-art sports science equipment, gym and sports hall.
At the heart of this cutting-edge campus is the Advanced Technologies Department, a dynamic hub for innovation and excellence. The new facilities will allow for exciting further and future curriculum development in areas such as renewables, in close connection with local stakeholders. Spanning approximately 5,000 m² across the ground and first floors, specialist training will be offered in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, and Electronic Engineering, alongside Motor Vehicle and Construction Engineering. The department will also support vital trades such as Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Carpentry, Joinery, and Bricklaying. With purpose-built workshops, suites, and modern classrooms, students will benefit from hands-on learning in a real-world environment, ensuring they are industry-ready from day one.
Speaking on the Open Day, Sean Laverty, Chief Operating Officer of Northern Regional College said, "These events were a significant milestone in our journey towards opening our new Ballymena Campus in September 2025. We are excited to move into our new home, which will provide world-class opportunities for our students and further strengthen our ties with the town and local community. This is a special and exciting time in particular for our prospective students who will be the first cohort to study at the innovative learning space."