Regional winners from the six Further Education Colleges will present their projects to a panel of judges, with the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Representing Northern Regional College in the final will be Zen Glow, developed by Level 2 Beauty students and FitPath, created by Level 3 Creative Media students.
Zen Glow is an app concept designed to support beauty clients who may experience anxiety or shyness when attending appointments. The app would allow users to book treatments while also requesting silent appointments, helping to create a more comfortable and inclusive salon experience.
FitPath is a fitness app designed to make health and training more accessible. The concept includes free workouts and tutorials to help beginners overcome gym anxiety and learn proper techniques from home, alongside personalised nutrition and training plans tailored to individual goals.
The two winning teams were selected at Northern Regional College’s semi-final on 26th March, following campus heats across the College.
The Zen Glow team includes Lois McClurg, Sophie Magee, Emma Curry and Robyn Delargy, supported by their lecturer Kirsty Gracey.
The FitPath team includes Robbie McKillion, Jake Hanna, Darren Bamber, Summer Crockard and Rose Crilly, supported by lecturers Darren McGinley and Adelle McCann.
Students have been supported throughout the Project Based Learning process by Northern Regional College’s Curriculum Development Leads for Entrepreneurship and Transversal Skills, Darren McGinley, Jenny Hutchinson and Tanya Blair.
Joanne McCourt, Principal Lecturer and Entrepreneurship Hub Manager for the FE Sector, Northern Regional College, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of the students involved in this year’s Project Based Learning competition and delighted to see two teams progress to the sector final. Zen Glow and FitPath are excellent examples of innovative thinking, creativity and problem-solving, with both ideas responding to real needs in a thoughtful and practical way. Opportunities like this allow our students to build confidence, develop valuable skills and showcase their ideas on a wider stage.”
Northern Regional College also thanked the semi-final judging panel for their support and expertise, including Robert Campbell, Aspire Media; Sophie Keil, Catalyst; Mark Walker, NRC Planet Sustainability; Andrew Pedlow and Russell McKee from the NRC Innovation Team; and Martin Hutchinson, retired CEO of TTS.