The College hosted ‘taster’ sessions for a selection of vocational areas, including plumbing, motor vehicle, health and social care, childcare and hair and beauty.
As well as getting ‘hands-on’ practical experience, the visitors had an opportunity to speak to lecturers and current students to get a better understanding of what courses in the different curriculum areas involve.
Helen Hampsey, Assistant Vice Principal for Learning and Learning at Northern Regional College said she hoped the taster sessions would young people make informed decisions about their next step:
“School leavers have important decisions to make about their future career path and, with many options to choose from, this can be a challenging time and difficult time for them.
“The taster sessions gave an overview of the vocational courses available at the College and the different progression pathways to employment or other qualifications. Hopefully, this will it easier for them to decide their next step.
Kieran McToal from Armoy, is a pupil at Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle thought the taster sessions were a good idea:
“With so many choices, it’s hard to know what to do. My favourite subjects at school are Sport, Construction and Creative Media but I’m interested in plumbing and came along today to find out more about the plumbing courses.
“The plumbing taster session was a good opportunity to learn about the plumbing courses at the College and hopefully this will help me make the right decision about what to do next.”
Kelechi Agoha and Lorcan McGill, Year 12 pupils at St Conor’s College, Clady attended the Motor Vehicle taster session and said they would ‘definitely’ recommend it.
“I think taster sessions are a great idea. I’m interested in car so this was a great opportunity to find out about the courses available,” said Kelechi, who added that his brother was currently doing a motor vehicle course and he would like to follow in his footsteps.
Lorcan said: “I think attending the taster session really sets you up. I’m interested in cars too and wanted to know more about what’s involved. The taster session was very interesting, and I enjoyed it.”
Year 13 pupils at St Conor’s College, Clodagh McMullan, Katie McMillan and Sofia Watters attended the Health and Social Care taster session.
Clodagh, whose career goal is to be a primary or special needs teacher, said she found it interesting to learn about the different progression pathways becoming a teacher.
Katie, who would like to a midwife, agreed and admitted that she didn’t realise before attending the taster session, that successful completion of a Level 3 vocational course would allow her to progress to university.
“I want to go to Queen’s University in Belfast but always thought I would need to have A levels to get in. It’s good to know there are other options,” she added.