Derry's Danny McGinley honoured at first-ever Further Education NI Excellence Awards

Eight Northern Regional College students and two staff members have been honoured at the first-ever Further Education NI Excellence Awards.

The inaugural awards ceremony was held at the Armagh City Hotel on Tuesday, 4^th June, with awards categories reflecting the wide spectrum of learning levels and pathways available across Northern Ireland’s Further Education Colleges, from introductory and supported learning to apprenticeships, higher education and lifelong learning.

The ceremony was opened by the Economy Minister Conor Murphy who said: “I was delighted to attend these awards to celebrate the achievements of excellence by both students and staff across the further education sector. 

“My economic vision has skills at its core and further education colleges have a significant role to play in delivering a regionally balanced economy with good jobs, higher productivity and which is reducing its carbon output.

“I commend our colleges, our students, our staff, and all who support you, for all that you do, and will continue to do, to support the north’s economy.

“I want to see and hear more of this excellence and for further education colleges to continue to collaborate, to lead, and to take their rightful place in the story of our improving economic outlook.”

The Lifelong Learning award went to Danny McGinley, a Translink Rail Engineering Operative from Derry.

Danny, who gave up his full-time job as a bus driver with Translink to start a new career as a rail track technician, is now in the second year of the Rail Engineering programme at Northern Regional College.

Guests at the event heard how student award recipients have improved their life and job-related skills thanks to the incredible effort they have made during their studies and of the positive impact made on people’s lives by the winning staff members.

Pictured, from left to right: Gordon Kane, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Helen Hampsey, Assistant Vice-Principal Teaching & Learning of Northern Regional College, Conor Dallas, who was awarded an FE Excellence Award, Mel Higgins, Principal & Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, Ken Nelson, Chair of Governing Body of Northern Regional College, Lisa Burns, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Danny McGinley, Lola Campbell and Hannah Currie who were all awarded FE Excellence Awards. 

Speaking at the event, Mel Higgins, Principal & Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, said: “It has been a privilege to see our students and staff from the College take to the stage tonight to receive their awards.

"Further Education offers everyone the chance to fulfil their true potential and I am delighted to see our students and staff, who epitomise the spirit and values of the College recognised here tonight. They are a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, determination and the right support, and we look forward to seeing them progress on their chosen pathways.”

The evening also honoured staff members from the Further Education sector, recognising the positive contribution they have made to the College and their community over the years.

Two NRC staff members were recognised on the night. Student Finance Co-Ordinator, Lisa Burns, from the Newtownabbey campus has spent over 23 years at NRC. She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Gordon Kane, a Curriculum Area Manager for Engineering within the College.

Commenting on why Further Education is so important to Northern Ireland, Gordon said: “FE is special because it is a critical part in our development of young people in supporting industry and creating opportunities for young people.”

Lisa Burns added: “Further Education is a great opportunity for people to upskill, retrain, or enjoy education as an alternative to school. It gives people a chance to develop their independence, to progress, and to achieve in a completely fantastic environment.”