Southern’s Regional College’s Newry Big Apprenticeship Event, held on Thursday 5th February 2026 at the College’s Newry West Campus has witnessed a continued strong demand for apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships.
Over 853 attendees, including secondary school students and their parents, plus adult returners visited the events to learn more about work-based learning pathways available across a wide range of sectors.
The event, held during the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) 2026 ‘Apprenticeship Week’ highlights the ongoing demand for apprenticeships as a route into employment and career progression. More than 35 employers and support organisations attended each event, engaging directly with prospective apprentices about opportunities starting in September 2026. Employers present covered job openings in accounting, analytical and bioscience fields, digital marketing, computing, construction, quantity surveying, electrical & electronic engineering, fintech and sports areas.
There remain no tuition fees associated with pursing an apprenticeship or higher-level apprenticeship due to funding provided by DfE. Apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages, from school leavers to adult returners and those seeking a career change, with students earning a wage for work-based activities whilst studying.
Commenting on their continued commitment to recruiting talent, Denise Cinnamond, Marketing Manager at Wood Innovations commented:
“Wood Innovations are delighted to join the SRC in Newry for the big apprenticeship event. It’s great to be part of an event that champions practical learning and real career pathways. At Wood Innovations, we are proud to support apprenticeships in the workplace. Apprenticeships are a fantastic route for developing talent and confidence and they bring real benefits to both employee and employer.”
Also attending on the night was Conleth Greene from Nuline Utilities who added:
“Nuline Utilities are once again delighted to be part of the Big Apprenticeship Event which has become a significant night in our calendar and a launch pad for the careers of our local talent.”
Among those attending the Big Apprenticeship Event were Leigh Fegan from Mayobridge and Shea Morgan from Hilltown, both students at St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint. Leigh attended the event to explore higher-level apprenticeship opportunities in accountancy, while Shea was keen to learn more about the wide range of career pathways available through higher-level apprenticeships.
Also in attendance were Evalynn and Elisa Colgan from Crossgar, who are both students at Down High School in Downpatrick. They attended the event to gain insight into future career options and the different educational routes available to them.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented:
“It has been incredible to see the continued growth in interest in apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships year on year, along with the confidence people now have in choosing this route as a first-class career pathway. At the College, we continue to strengthen our apprenticeship provision, working closely with employers to ensure our programmes reflect real industry needs across the region.
Apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships combine earning, learning and progression, providing people with the skills, experience and qualifications needed to succeed in today’s economy. Our ambition remains clear: to open doors to meaningful, sustainable careers and to support individuals at every stage of their professional journey. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of apprentices this September as they take the next step towards their future.”
Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council commented:
“SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event once again proved to be a fantastic event. It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from prospective apprentices and local employers across our District. Events like this play a vital role in connecting people with real career opportunities, while supporting businesses to develop and grow through new skills and talent. The continued partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to creating sustainable career pathways and strengthening our local economy. It is extremely positive to see initiatives like this making a real difference for our citizens and businesses alike.”
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CLANRYE NEWS 