September has brought a change in the weather with colder days and a lot more rain, but that has not dampened spirits amongst students starting the new academic year at Southern Regional College’s Newry campuses.
September has seen students bound through the doors as more and more young people ….and adult returners, take up opportunities to start a career, or pivot and change direction for new and exciting career prospects.
With more full-time students enrolling for courses on offer at Newry, Fresh faces across campus include those students starting the Business Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), Higher Level Apprenticeship. Not only are these students starting a new course, but they’re also jumping into, or back into employment combining their enthusiasm for learning with the practical application of new skills in the workplace.
We spoke with three students who started the Business HND this week: Brooke Young from Banbridge, Aoife Rooney from Kilkeel and Emily Morrow from outside Newry. All are undertaking their higher education right here in Newry, rather than travelling further afield, recognising the benefits of staying local.
Higher-level apprenticeships offer direct pathways to employment, increasing employability prospects and avoiding university debt, while still getting the same higher educational outcome.
Elsewhere on campus, Noah Hourican from Warrenpoint has started the Professional Chef Traineeship. Noah’s excited to get into the kitchen and whip up new recipes which he’s not made before. While Noah is just starting out, he’s got his future firmly in sight with plans to progress to the Professional Cookery Level 3 Diploma or Apprenticeship.
Life on campus remains fast paced with freshers’ week starting from Monday 22nd September, and visiting all campuses. In addition, the student engagement team have many activities planned throughout the academic year including opportunities to get involved in student life, from being part of the student council and running for student governor.
With full-time and part-time courses getting underway places remain available for evening and recreational part-time courses starting now and in the new year. Check out options at the College’s website www.src.ac.uk.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 