Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry (third from right) with members of the Governing Body of North West Regional College, from left, Seamus Murphy, Gerard Finnegan, chair, Martin O’Kane, Martin Agnew and Prof Fabien Monds. Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography
The North West Regional College (NWRC) plays a key role in the social and economic development of the region, Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has said.
Dr Farry was speaking during a visit to the college today during which met its Governing Body and toured the campus facilities.
The Minister also met with students and staff and discussed the College’s recognition as a Specialist Centre in Software Development, Construction and the Built Environment and Journalism.
Minister Farry said: “North West Regional College plays a key role in the social and economic development of the North West as it works to equip students with the skills they need to succeed.
“As well as delivering a wide range of full-time and part-time courses to over 20,000 students each year, the College is also one of the largest employers in the region, and I remain very impressed by the commitment and quality of the staff.
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry (right) congratulates Gerard Finnegan on his appointment as chair of the Governing Body of North West Regional College. Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography.
“I have a strong skills and employability agenda for the North West and Northern Ireland as a whole. I am keen that the College further scopes out stronger links with employers to take forward this agenda locally.”
Gerard Finnegan, the newly appointment chairperson of the College’s Governing Body, said the NWRC had “much to be proud of” and Minister Farry’s visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase its state-of-the-art facilities.
He added: “We acknowledge that we have issues to deal with and we are working hard on these.
“We have shared with him today our vision to make North West Regional College the best Further Education College in the UK and Ireland. We appreciate his encouragement and support as we seek to make that vision a reality for our staff, our students and our community.”
During the visit the Minister also met with five students who received sports bursaries under the college’s inaugural Elite Athlete Scheme.
Two of the scheme’s participants, Kathleen McNaught and Michael McCay, recently won gold medals at an Inter-Varsity Judo Competition in Galway.
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