Southern Regional College’s annual Big Apprenticeship Event returns

Pictured launching the Big Apprenticeship Event at SRC’s Newry campus are Councillor Valerie Harte, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and SRC’s CEO Raymond Sloan

Giving prospective apprentices all the information to ‘release their potential’ the Big Apprenticeship Event promises not to disappoint, with over 40 employers and support organisations attending the Newry event.

Held in conjunction with the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership, there will be information on current job opportunities attached to accompanying apprenticeship courses. Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The Big Apprenticeship Event is being held in the College’s Newry West Campus on Tuesday 6 February and in Craigavon Civic Centre on Thursday 8 February 2024, both from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. So, if you can’t make one date, there is still the opportunity to meet prospective employers who are hiring for September 2024 on the alternative date. There’s a vast range of apprenticeship positions on offer including electrical installation, design and manufacturing; digital marketing; accounting; industrial science and cloud computing, analytics and security. Local employers in attendance include the Exact Group (NI) Ltd, Shelbourne Motors, Resonate Testing Ltd, Norbrook and AMC Construction NI Ltd.

Individuals will be able to hear from both employers and lecturers alike on courses and determine if an Apprenticeship or Higher Level Apprenticeship is the right career move. Attendees will be able to drop in and hear from current apprentices as they share their remarkable apprenticeship journey during ‘Apprenticeship Ambassador’ sessions.

Apprentices come from all walks in life, from school leavers to all age apprentices (adult returners), so there really is no clear-cut definition of what an apprentice looks like. Apprentices can work and study qualifications at a range of levels, from level 2/3 up to Higher Level Apprenticeships at level 5/6, the equivalent to a foundation degree or full honours degree.

The choice of subjects is diverse with 38 apprenticeship courses on offer at level 2/3 and 18 Higher Level Apprenticeship courses on offer at level 5/6. From accounting to carpentry and joinery, digital marketing, advertising and communications to engineering, hairdressing, hospitality and sport and exercise, the College offers a wide breath of opportunities for all.

Last year the College welcomed over 1,300 participants to the Big Apprenticeship Event over both nights and this year promises to be another busy year.

Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “The College’s annual The Big Apprenticeship Event is an exciting showcase of apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships available at SRC. This event offers a unique opportunity for potential students to directly engage with a wide range of employers, opening doors to a myriad of promising career pathways.

Attendees will have the opportunity to gather invaluable information about our various programmes and discover the benefits of pursuing an apprenticeship. With both hands-on vocational training and recognised qualifications, apprenticeships provide a dynamic and practical approach to learning, equipping individuals with the skills and experience sought by employers.

The Big Apprenticeship Event is designed to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their educational and career journeys. Whether you are a school leaver, a career changer, or someone seeking professional development, this event promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you shape your future”.

Councillor Valerie Harte, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council added: “Newry Mourne and Down District Council, through the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership are delighted to support SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event demonstrating Councils commitment to ensuring local employers are gaining access to the right people, with the right skills required for growth and job creation. We encourage participants from across the district and all walks of life to attend the SRC Big Apprenticeship Event and find out more about the opportunity apprenticeships can offer.”