Northern Regional College honours award-winning apprentices at Ballymena celebration

Northern Regional College, Ballymena

Northern Regional College has celebrated some of Northern Ireland’s top emerging talent at a special reception in Ballymena, recognising apprentices who have achieved success on regional, national and international stages.

The event, held at the College’s Ballymena campus, brought together award-winning apprentices, employers, lecturers and senior College leaders to mark a series of standout achievements across engineering, manufacturing and skilled trades.

Among those honoured was Paula Bamford of Caterpillar, who was named Northern Ireland Apprentice of the Year, while Daniel Evans of EDEN Fabrications was recognised following success at the Mid Ulster Business & Environment Awards.

Paula Bamford is pictured with Colm McKenna, Chair of Northern Regional College’s Governing Body.

Paula Bamford is pictured with her parents, Jordan Park, Lecturer at Northern Regional College, Christine Brown, Curriculum Director at Northern Regional College, Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, Gerard Heaney from Caterpillar Inc, and Colm McKenna, Chair of Northern Regional College’s Governing Body.

The reception also celebrated Jamie Matthews, an apprentice with Mivan, who has been selected to represent Team UK in Joinery at the prestigious WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition — one of the world’s biggest international skills events.

Recognition for apprentices and employers

Certificates were presented to apprentices in recognition of their achievements, dedication and contribution to their industries.

Employers were also commended for the role they play in supporting apprentices through workplace learning, mentoring and skills development.

The celebration highlighted the growing importance of vocational education and apprenticeships in helping address industry skills needs across Northern Ireland while creating direct career pathways for young people and adult learners.

Jamie Matthews is pictured with Colm McKenna, Chair of Northern Regional College’s Governing Body.

Jamie Matthews is pictured with his guests, Adrian Smith, Lecturer at Northern Regional College, Christine Brown, Curriculum Director at Northern Regional College, Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, Colm McKenna, Chair of Northern Regional College’s Governing Body, Jonny O’Boyle from Mivan, and Charlie McAuley from Mivan.

Members of the College’s Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body attended the event alongside employers and award recipients.

College praises ‘exceptional achievements’

Christine Brown, Curriculum Director at Northern Regional College, said the reception reflected the strength of apprenticeship programmes and the opportunities they create for learners.

She said:

“It was a privilege to come together to recognise the exceptional achievements of our apprentices and the invaluable support provided by our employer partners.

“These successes highlight the strength of vocational education and the opportunities apprenticeships create for individuals to develop real-world skills and progress in their careers.

“Participation in competitions at local, national and international level plays a vital role in building confidence and raising standards, and we are incredibly proud of everyone recognised at this event.”

Building skills for the future

Daniel Evans is pictured with his guests, Sean McAleese, Work Based Learning Manager at Northern Regional College, Christine Brown, Curriculum Director at Northern Regional College, Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, Colm McKenna, Chair of Northern Regional College’s Governing Body, and representatives from Eden Fabrications.

The College said the reception reflects its continued commitment to developing high-quality apprenticeship programmes and strengthening partnerships with employers across Northern Ireland.

With industries increasingly facing skills shortages in areas such as engineering, construction and manufacturing, apprenticeship routes continue to play a major role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers.

The success of apprentices from companies including Caterpillar, EDEN Fabrications and Mivan also underlines the strength of links between local industry and further education providers in the region.

For more information on apprenticeships at Northern Regional College, visit: www.nrc.ac.uk