The six Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland have participated in The College Alliance International Conference, with participants from across the UK and Ireland and taking learning from international practice.
The international conference took place over two days at Belfast Metropolitan College’s Titanic Campus.
Exploring the theme of how to ‘square the circle’ for tertiary education in providing high quality skills training and learning in the context of a environmental responsibilities and significant fiscal pressures, the conference looked at both opportunities and best practices from across these islands as well as internationally.
As part of the opening sessions, Moira Doherty, Deputy Secretary with responsibility of Skills and Education Group within the Department for the Economy, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the pivotal role of Further Education in Northern Ireland as a catalyst for industry growth and the development of a skilled workforce.
Ms Doherty said: “I am delighted that College Alliance chose to host its International Conference in Belfast. Our colleges are vital to the delivery of economic prosperity across this region and this event has provided a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and sharing of best practice, as well as demonstrating the importance placed on further education delivery in this part of the world.”
Chair of the Further Education College Principals’ Group, Mel Higgins, said: “The College Alliance’s international conference provides a valuable opportunity to learn and collaborate with other educational providers to collectively develop the sector.We also welcomed the opportunity to showcase the outstanding work of our colleges. We also hope that delegates will take away new models and insights that help them in shaping best practice in an era of challenge.”
The Principals of the six Further Education Colleges pictured at Belfast Metropolitan College for the College Alliance's International Conference. (L-R) Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive of South West College, Damian Duffy, Belfast Met Interim Principal and Chief Executive, Moira Doherty, Deputy Secretary for the Skills and Education at the Department for the Economy, David Cragg, Chair of the Association of Colleges, Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, Tommy Martin, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of South Eastern Regional College and Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College.
