Students graduated from four departments: Business, Computing & Creative Industries; Care & Access: Engineering & Built Environment; Science & Service Industries. Guest speaker at the morning ceremony was Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest NI, while students in the afternoon were addressed by Stewart Watt, founder and director of Virtus HR. Both speakers are College alumni.
Northern College offers a range of Foundation Degrees in subject areas such as Built Environment, Engineering, Applied Science, Business and Computing, Social Care, Counselling and Media as well as professional qualifications.
Higher Level Apprenticeships which are based on the student remaining in paid employment whilst gaining recognised higher level qualifications are also available. Subjects covered include Engineering, Accountancy and Computing.
Speaking at the event, Principal & Chief Executive, Professor Terri Scott reminded the audience that people are the most important asset of any organisation.
She said: “Essentially Northern Regional College, like other educational institutions, is in the people business. Our students rely on us to deliver a valuable and high-quality educational experience. We rely on them. It is a symbiotic and healthy relationship.
“Upskilling people is at the core of what we do, providing a workforce ready to answer the call of local and inward investing businesses; up-scaling our students’ ambition and providing structured work-based learning. All of this work helps to support small and medium enterprise and prepares our students for employment and further study.
“The digital world now programmes everything we do. We have rightly placed digital learning at the centre of our delivery. With the allure of technology, we are conscious that behind every screen and smart device there is a person with unique aspirations and very different learning styles. We will continue to explore ways to use technology to empower and engage with our students.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the staff of the College who been at the forefront of innovation by have embracing these digital technologies with characteristic enthusiasm and dedication. Our goal is not just to adapt to change, but to lead the way, and lead the change if that is what is needed.”
Pictured are Jim and Arlene Thornton , husband and wife from Toombridge, following their graduation, with HNC Diplomas in Business. The couple studied part-time over the last two years while in full time work, Jim in his family business Thornton Roofing and Arlene at Antrim Area Hospital where she works as an Estates Property Officer. Arlene has now started studying for her BSc in Business at the College
