News

Students get hands-on with cutting-edge technology at Northern Regional College ‘Bring It On’ event

Wednesday
13th March 2019

Secondary school students had the opportunity to experience the very latest in cutting-edge technology at Northern Regional College’s Bring It On event, hosted at the College’s Magherafelt campus. Over 40 students from Magherafelt High School and Sperrin Integrated College spent the day trying out high-tech professional software and innovative hardware that they cannot get their hands on in the classroom and learning about a range of digital careers – from cyber security to programming to animation.

Hunger to learn leads Louis to cookery apprenticeship

Tuesday
26th February 2019

Louis Bell is a 20-year-old professional cookery apprentice from Carrickfergus. He spends four days per week in the busy kitchens of the Galgorm Resort & Spa Hotel and one day a week studying at Northern Regional College. Louis started his catering career at age 16 in a local café. A couple of years later he was working in the bustling kitchens of one of Belfast’s most exclusive hotels: the Malmaison. How did he snag that coveted job? By asking for it.

Apprenticeship key to career, for Spanish Jennifer

Tuesday
26th February 2019

Jennifer is a Food and Beverage Service apprentice at the Galgorm Resort & Spa Hotel. She is 25 years old and comes from Alicante in Spain. Jennifer went to university in Spain and even achieved a masters degree in nutrition. Although she loved her degree, after a few months of working in her chosen field, Jennifer realised the job just wasn’t for her. She decided to make a change and took the brave decision to take her career in a different direction.

Apprenticeship gives Ballymena man opportunity to cook up a storm

Tuesday
26th February 2019

“I love the creativity that comes with being a chef, you get to make people happy with your food”, says James, “So when I was given the chance to learn more and get hands-on experience in the kitchens of one of the biggest players in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector I just couldn’t pass up that opportunity. It was a no-brainer for me!” James Blair is 18 years old and from Ballymena. He is a professional cookery apprentice at the Galgorm Resort & Spa Hotel and Northern Regional College.

Apprenticeship the answer for Ballyclare woman

Tuesday
26th February 2019

Emmalee O’Connell, an 18-year-old Food & Beverage Service Apprentice from Ballyclare, made the brave decision to eschew university in favour of a practical apprenticeship with Northern Regional College and the Galgorm Resort & Spa Hotel, and hasn’t looked back since. Emmalee grew up in Ballyclare and attended Ballyclare High School where she excelled in her studies, obtaining A-Levels in biology, politics and business studies. Emmalee was on track to study forensic science at university, however, at the last minute she re-assessed her career options.

Northern Regional College was my gateway to university and opportunity, Professor Elaine Ramsey

Wednesday
13th February 2019

Elaine Ramsey’s career went off on a completely different trajectory when decided to do a Diploma in Foundation Studies as a mature student at Northern Regional College in Coleraine. That was back in 1994. At the time, Elaine was married with two young daughters and had to juggle study with family commitments and her part-time job in retail. Fast forward to 2019 and Elaine is Professor of Business Innovation at Ulster University and a Distinguished Research Fellow.