Northern Regional College Governance pictured with the staff award winning outside the Causeway Campus in Coleraine
Northern Regional College has honoured the outstanding achievements and dedication of its staff at its annual Staff Awards ceremony.
The event recognised the hard work and commitment across the curriculum and professional services teams, who continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of students and strengthening the College’s reputation for excellence.
Students from Media, Performing Arts and Hospitality & Catering curriculum areas assisted lecturing staff at the event and those guests in attendance were treated to performances by the student choir and soloists throughout the morning.
Congratulating all the award winners, as well as those nominated, Chair of the Governing Body, Ken Nelson MBE, paid tribute to staff for their unwavering dedication, resilience and commitment. He highlighted the importance of the Staff Awards as a key College event, recognising the outstanding contributions of individual staff members and teams across the College.
The awards received an impressive 106 nominations across 13 categories, showcasing the depth of talent, dedication, and teamwork within the College.
There were two new categories this year, Good For ME Good For FE and Inspirational Role Model Awards, recognising that there are many ways to positively impact colleagues, our students and the College.
Principal and Chief Executive Mel Higgins praised the event’s success and the strong sense of community reflected in the nominations.
“It is inspiring to see how well-supported our Staff Awards have become, with colleagues recognising and celebrating each other’s hard work. Their passion, support for students and commitment to their colleagues make Northern Regional College a fantastic place to work and learn.”
He continued: “Our staff work tirelessly to ensure that every learner is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. This year’s winners exemplify the values at the heart of Northern Regional College, excellence, collaboration and a deep commitment to education.
“With our Ballymena campus development well underway and our new Causeway campus recently opened, we are entering an exciting new chapter, one that will provide world-class education and training opportunities.
“By fostering talent, embracing new technologies, and strengthening industry partnerships, we will continue to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving world and contribute to Northern Ireland’s economy.”
The Staff Awards provided a well-earned moment of recognition for the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to create an inspiring learning environment. With the College’s ambitious plans for growth and innovation, these dedicated staff members will continue to be at the heart of its success.
The 2024 Staff Award Winners & Highly Commended Recipients were:
• Curriculum Team of the Year Winner:
Level 3 Information Technology Team
Curriculum Team of the Year from Level 3 Information Technology (Judith Knox, Emma Butler, Katrina Martin) pictured with Ken Nelson MBE Chair of Governing Body of Northern Regional College.
Highly Commended: Level 4 HNC Early Childhood HNC Team
Inspirational Role Model of the Year Winner:
Sharon Eatwell
Ken Nelson MBE Chair of Governing Body of Northern Regional College pictured with Sharon Eatwell, Inspirational Role Model of the Year winner
Highly Commended: Adele Brennan
Excellence in Teaching Innovation Winner:
Sandra Hamilton
Dr Philip Graham, Governing Body Member of Norhern Regional College presents the Excellence in Teaching Innovation winner, Sandra Hamilton
Highly Commended: Martin Hay
New Start of the Year Winner:
Catherine Mooney
Dr Philip Graham, Governing Body Member of Northern Regional College pictured with Catherine Mooney, winner of New Start of the Year award.
Highly Commended: Rhiannon Conlon
Project-Based Learning Champion Winner:
Victoria Smyth
Dr Philip Graham, Governing Body Member of Northern Regional College pictured with Victoria Smyth, winner of the Project Based Learning award.
Highly Commended: Sarah Thompson
Project Based Learning award Highly Commended recipient, Sarah Thompson and Mel Higgins, Northern Regional College Principal & Chief Executive.
Team Player of the Year Winner:
Fiona Gault
Highly Commended: Fionnuala Devlin
Best New Course Winner:
Level 2 Youthwork Team
Denise McIlwaine, Governing Body Member of Northern Regional College pictured with the Level 2 Youth Work team who won the award for Best New Course.
Highly Commended: Level 3 Nail Tech and Entrepreneurship
Professional Services Team of the Year Winner:
IT Services
Denise McIlwaine, Governing Body Member of Northern Regional College pictured with the IT Services Team, Winner of Professional Services Team of the Year award.
Highly Commended: Admissions and Campus Services Team
Excellence in Supporting Students Winner:
Emma Mason
Highly Commended: Anne Marie McAleese
Good For ME Good For FE Winner:
Hair and Beauty Team
Brendan Patterson, Governing Body Member of Northern Regional College with the Hair and Beauty Teams, winner of the Good for ME, Good for FE award.
Highly Commended: Admissions and Campus Services Team
Entrepreneurship Winner:
Hayley Millar
Highly Commended: Beauty Therapy Team
Professional Services Team Member of the Year Winner:
Kerry Reilly
Professional Services Team Member of the Year award winner Kerry Reilly pictured with Mel Higgins, Northern Regional College Principal & Chief Executive.
Highly Commended: Vanessa Tyler
Lecturer of the Year Winner:
Stuart Cullen
Winner of Lecturer of the Year, Media Lecturer, Stuart Cullen pictured with Mel Higgins Northern Regional College Principal & Chief Executive.
Highly Commended: Chris Keating
Northern Regional College currently has a number of vacancies across its curriculum and professional services departments. Visit GetGot Portal for further details.