Determination, talent & belief: NRC graduate Hannah Currie inspires a new generation of women in engineering

Hannah Currie

Northern Regional College (NRC) is celebrating the inspiring achievements of engineering graduate Hannah Currie, whose determination, talent and generosity of spirit are helping to reshape perceptions of STEM careers across Northern Ireland.

Originally from Randalstown, Hannah recently graduated at the College’s Higher Education & Access Graduation, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey that has taken her from returning adult learner to WorldSkills UK Gold medallist and Manufacturing Engineer at Wrightbus.

After almost a decade in work, Hannah made the bold decision to return to education in September 2022, enrolling on the Foundation Degree in Engineering at Northern Regional College. It was a leap of faith that required courage — and one that has since transformed her life.

“I was nervous about coming back to education after so long,” Hannah explained.

“I kept wondering if I’d still be able to learn at the same pace, or if I’d made the right decision. But from the very start, the support at the College made me feel like I belonged.”

That sense of belonging, combined with Hannah’s drive and resilience, quickly translated into academic success. She finished top of her year, achieving distinctions across all modules and an outstanding overall grade — all while balancing her studies with employment at Wrightbus and responsibilities on her family’s cattle farm.

“The lecturers understood that we had real lives outside the classroom,” she said.

“They pushed me to do my best, but they also genuinely wanted to see me succeed. That made all the difference.”

During her time at NRC, Hannah embraced opportunities in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly industrial robotics.

Her skills reached national recognition in 2023, when she represented Northern Regional College at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Industrial Robotics, securing Gold.

“WorldSkills completely changed my confidence. It showed me that I wasn’t just keeping up, I was capable of competing at the highest level. That experience opened doors I never imagined.”

In a significant endorsement of her professionalism, Hannah’s competition project documentation was later adopted by Fanuc UK as a template for producing documentation on their own products — a rare achievement for a student competitor.

Having graduated last month as a Higher Level Apprentice (HLA) in Engineering, Hannah is now working as a Manufacturing Engineer at Wrightbus, while continuing her academic journey part-time through a Degree Apprenticeship in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (BEng Hons) at Ulster University.

Despite her demanding schedule, Hannah remains deeply connected to Northern Regional College. She now volunteers every Tuesday evening, supporting Industrial Robotics students and helping prepare them for competitions while building confidence in emerging technologies.

“I wanted to give something back,” she explained.

“The College invested so much time and belief in me, and I want current students to know that the same support is there for them.”

A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Hannah also serves as a STEM ambassador, sharing her story at national events in Manchester and at local careers events across Ballymena, including the Brian Cox Science School.

“Engineering needs more women, and representation really matters,” Hannah said.

“If someone sees my story and realises it’s never too late to start, or that engineering is an option for them, then that’s worth everything.”

Mark Maginty, Engineering Lecturer at Northern Regional College, paid tribute to Hannah’s achievements, saying:

“Hannah’s journey perfectly captures the impact of further education. She arrived with determination and left with exceptional technical skills, confidence and ambition. Her success in industry, her national achievements and her commitment to supporting others make her an outstanding role model.”

Hannah’s success also highlights the strength of the partnership between Northern Regional College and Wrightbus, demonstrating how collaboration between education and industry can create meaningful career pathways while addressing skills needs within the engineering sector.

Northern Regional College has congratulated Hannah on her achievements and says it looks forward to supporting the next stages of her STEM journey.

Applications for all Higher Education courses starting in September 2026 are now open.

For further information or to apply, visit www.nrc.ac.uk.