Built Environment FACULTY 1 Over 95% of students progress to higher courses. NAME: Neil McKinney COURSE: Foundation Degree in Building Technology & Design Neil McKinney from Portstewart, enrolled on the BTEC National Diploma in Construction in September 2005. Previously he had been a pupil at Dominican College, Portstewart. Neil had a strong GCSE profile when he left school and he continued his studies at Causeway Institute ( now NRC), showing dedication and application in his work. He gained the highest grade possible, DDD, in his National Diploma. Neil then had the choice of going to University to study for a Built Environment- related degree but he chose to remain at NRC to enrol on the Foundation Degree in Building Technology & Management. Prior to commencing the course, Neil secured a placement with GM Design Associates ( Architects and Planners) in Coleraine. He now attends College one day a week on a day release basis to participate in the Foundation Degree and works for GM Design for the remainder of the week. Neil is currently in third year on the Foundation Degree at NRC Coleraine. http:// www. nrc. ac. uk 6 On a recent visit to T- Met Ltd, owner Mr. James Kelly kindly explained the operations of his business in protecting the natural environment by recycling scrap metal. Left: BTEC National Diploma in Construction 1st year students enjoying a recent educational site visit to T- Met Ltd scrap yard, Coleraine. Front Row L- R: Richard King ( Lecturer), Conor Laverty, Craig McKillop, Kevin Murphy. Back Row L- R: Keith McKnight, Naill Adams, Mateusz Nozka, James McCouaig, James Serplus, Aiden Campbell, Shane Jennings, Anna Reid, Oisin McMahon, Rachael Rosborough, Caoimhe McCarry, Adam Holmes, Monique Scullion, Jordan Liken, Chris Keating ( Lecturer)

Five Local apprentices received top awards at the annual Skillbuild NI Competition last term. Providing a unique stage to showcase excellence and talent, Skillbuild NI is hosted annually each spring and 100 of the top apprentices competed to win coveted titles in 12 different construction craft areas ranging from plumbing to brickwork. The winners may then go on to represent Northern Ireland in National and World Skillbuild finals. Commending the apprentices on their hard work and dedication shown in their field of expertise, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: " The Skillbuild Northern Ireland competition allows our young apprentices to demonstrate their skills on the local stage. As we now look forward to the National finals and ultimately Worldskills in 2011, I hope that today's successes will herald the start of a journey of personal achievement and public acclaim. To this end I would encourage everyone to go on and fly the flag for Northern Ireland construction crafts and test their skills against the best in the UK and hopefully the world." SUCCESS FOR NRC STUDENTS AT SKILLBUILD 2009 Jason Young, Employer Moyola Building Services - NRC Trostan Avenue, Ballymena, Gold medal Winner, HCVA Cup in Industrial Heating. Jonathon Tweedy, Employer Mivan Ltd, NRC Farm Lodge, Ballymena - Bronze medal winner in cabinet making. Jordan Wallace, Employer Adrian Wylie - NRC Newtownabbey, Gold medal winner and Acheson and Glover Cup in Brickwork. Richard Duncan, Employer Trevor Wilson, NRC Trostan Avenue Ballymena - Bronze medal winner in lead sheetwork. COURSE: National Diploma Construction NAME: David Cupples David enrolled on the National Diploma in Construction and over the two year duration of the course David had an exemplary record of attendance and punctuality. David proved to be a very popular student both with staff and fellow students. He showed total commitment to his studies and his results of Distinctions across all his subjects clearly demonstrated his ability, enthusiasm and excellent personal management skills. David is now intending to further his career in the construction industry. COURSE: National Diploma Construction NAME: Gerard McLernon Gerard studied at St Benedict's College, Randalstown where he obtained 8 GCSE's including 5 grade A's. He then enrolled on the National Diploma in Construction at the NRC Farm Lodge Campus. Here the Lecturing staff found him to be extremely dedicated and hard working and gained Distinction grades in all 18 units. Gerard is now studying Building Surveying at UUJ and also working part- time with his father in the family engineering business. COURSE: National Diploma Construction NAME: Stephanie McCann Stephanie joined the National Diploma in Construction at Northern Regional College in 2007, having previously attended Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle. Stephanie worked extremely hard during her two years on the course and was justly rewarded with maximum grades. She is currently studying for a degree in Environmental Planning at Queen's University Belfast. Best Built Environment Students 2008/ 2009 John Montgomery, Employer Dan Mooney, NRC Trostan Ave, Ballymena - Gold medal winner and winner of Skillbuild NI lead sheetwork cup.