The second Further Education Excellence Awards took place in Cookstown on Thursday, with nearly 50 students from Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges receiving recognition. The ceremony was held at the Glenavon Hotel.

Students from Southern Regional College (SRC) won seven of the awards. Jack Walker and Leah McBride were honoured in the Entry Level Study category, while beauty therapy student Ayda Murray received the Traineeship Programme award. Media student Emily Bagnall was recognised for Advanced Learning, and electrotechnical apprentice Jonathan Gough earned the Apprenticeship Training prize. Gough is preparing to represent Northern Ireland and the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Ross Graham and Shana Murphy were awarded for Higher Level Apprenticeship and Higher Education respectively, and Lynn Rees received the Lifelong Learning Award for work on a CIPD Level 7 qualification.

Two SRC staff members received lifetime contribution awards. Associate lecturer in hairdressing Una Fitzpatrick, based at the Newry campus, has taught for 40 years. Technician demonstrator Stephen McDowell, from the Banbridge campus, has given 41 years of service but was unable to attend.

Addressing the event, Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, said the sector plays a vital role in economic and social progress by equipping people with skills and supporting business growth. She acknowledged the challenging financial context but noted colleges continue to deliver strong outcomes. SRC principal Lee Campbell said the college was proud of the students’ talent and determination, and praised the decades of dedication shown by the staff award recipients.