A Tiling Trainee who enrolled at North West Regional College after achieving a first-class honours Degree in Fine Art, says the course is helping her embrace her artistic skills in a more practical way.
Rebecca Gavigan previously studied art at NWRC before achieving a first-class honours degree in Newcastle. The 30 year-old is now in the first year of a Traineeship at NWRC’s Greystone Campus and has just recently qualified for the Skillbuild NI Regional Finals.
The former St. Cecilia’s College pupil is encouraging people of all ages (16+) interested in studying a vocational course, to attend NWRC’s Open days on February 27, 28 and 29 at campuses in Strabane, Strand Road, Springtown, Limavady Main Street and Greystone.
She said: “Tiling is a very creative profession. I’m the only girl in the class but that didn’t put me off. I am really enjoying it. There’s no reason that women can’t train in skills that are traditionally male dominated.”
The 30 year-old said her eye for detail has helped her succeed in recent competitions including qualifying for SkillBuild NI.
She added: “It’s physically demanding learning Tiling but I love it. Maths is very important to so I’m trying to re-engage my Maths brain. I have received great support from my lecturer David McCay and Alan McLaughlin and I also received a scholarship from the Honorable the Irish Society.
“I would encourage anyone looking to study to just go for it. Go along to the Open day and see it for yourself. You’re only holding yourself back if you don’t go for what you want.
“The Traineeship is allowing me to get the feel for the trade and in the future, I would like to progress to an apprenticeship.”
Recently NWRC introduced All Age Apprenticeships which have no age cap and are available for anyone over the age of 16 wanting to start a new career or upskill in their current profession.
Alternatively, if you feel you are not quite ready for an Apprenticeship, there is the option of a Traineeship programme. A Traineeship can help you progress to an Apprenticeship or full-time employment.
Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to discover more about the huge range of full and part-time courses available, while finding out more about the excitement of being a student in the North West.
Members of staff will be on hand to take you through the numerous career options available – and you can see around the college facilities yourself.
Prospective students can also take part in fun activities such as a search of the campus to find a key to win a special prize.
NWRC offers a huge number of courses ranging from Care and Health, Apprenticeships and Traineeships, Art and Design; Administration; Business; Construction and the Built Environment; Engineering; Hospitality and Catering; Media, Multimedia and Journalism; Music; Performing Arts; Science; Sport and Leisure, Travel and Tourism; Computing and I.T., Early Years, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, and Adult Learning.
Open Day, will be held in Strabane (Tuesday, February 27), Strand Road and Springtown (Wednesday February 28), and Limavady Main Street and Greystone (Thursday, February 29) from 12 - 8 p.m each day.
For more information on the NWRC Open Days, please log on to www.nwrc.ac.uk/opendays where you can register your attendance with a chance to win a Laptop.
Rebecca pictured training in the workshops in Greystone Campus
There’s no reason that women can’t train in skills that are traditionally male-dominated.
Rebecca GaviganTiling Trainee and graduate of Fine Art
