Kevin McLaughlin, I.T. Educator of the Year pictured with Dr. Catherine O'Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC.
A lecturer from North West Regional College (NWRC) has been named I.T. Educator of the Year at the Northern Ireland Further Education I.T. awards.
Kevin McLaughlin, who lectures at Strand Road campus in the Faculty of Business, Media, and Technology, teaches several I.T. courses and heads up ‘Kickstart to I.T.’, a 12-week industry-led Software Fundamentals course programme aimed at fast-tracking students into a career in the IT industry.
He’s been a lecturer at NWRC for more than 20 years.
Dr Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC, said Kevin’s success highlighted the excellent standard of computing curriculum offered at NWRC’s campuses in Strand Road, Limavady and Strabane.
She added: “On behalf of the staff at NWRC I offer my congratulations to Kevin. We are delighted and proud to see this important work recognised on a regional level.
“Kevin’s work at NWRC is invaluable as he prepares students for future careers in a fast-growing IT sector. He is a lecturer who is changing the lives of his students – many of whom are now in senior positions and management roles.”
Kevin Mclaughlin said: “Winning this award is an honour, and I would like to thank the BCS and my fellow finalists for the fantastic work they do.
“I would also like to thank my employer NWRC for nominating me in the first place. I'm delighted they have felt I'm deserving of this award. I also have to thank my family who have kept me grounded and content over the years. This has helped me push myself to deliver the outcomes I've had.
“This award is a culmination of over 20 years of upskilling/reskilling hundreds of people around the northwest. Years of hard work, learning new skills and inspiring the next generation of software professionals do not come easy. However, the great people you meet along the way make it so much better!
“In that time I’ve taught people of all ages and I always say that the most important thing is to have the right attitude when you have that, the skills will come easily to you. In my job, it’s great to engage with people from all walks of life. I always encourage people to consider a career in IT as there are so many opportunities. The best part of my job is watching my students reach their full potential.”
The IT awards, hosted by The British Computer Society (BCS) recognise and celebrate those educators who innovate, challenge and embrace technology to encourage and support young people driving computing and digital education in schools.
In 2024, the Awards focused on educators who excel in raising awareness and deepening understanding of computing, computational thinking, and digital skills in students and peers.
