Southern Regional College’s Big Apprenticeship Event, held on Tuesday 3 February at Craigavon Civic Centre has witnessed a continued strong demand for apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships.
Over 1,115 attendees, including secondary school students and their parents, plus adult returners visited the event to learn more about work-based learning pathways available across a wide range of sectors.
The event, organised in collaboration with Council and the ABC Labour Market Partnership team, was held during the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) 2026 ‘Apprenticeship Week’ which highlights the ongoing demand for apprenticeships as a route into employment and career progression. More than 35 employers and support organisations attended the event, engaging directly with prospective apprentices about opportunities starting in September 2026. Employers present covered job openings in accounting, analytical and bioscience fields, digital marketing, computing, construction, quantity surveying, electrical & electronic engineering, fintech and sports areas.
There remain no tuition fees associated with pursing an apprenticeship or higher-level apprenticeship due to funding provided by DfE. Apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages, from school leavers to adult returners and those seeking a career change, with students earning a wage for work-based activities whilst studying.
Commenting on their continued commitment to recruiting talent, Shaheen Stringer, HR Manager at PMK Electrical stated:
“PMK Electrical have 8-9 apprentices who study through Southern Regional College and work for us. We have really strong links with the College and we find that the training they deliver for students is really beneficial for enhancing apprenticeships knowledge within the workplace. This is our first time attending the Big Apprenticeship Event this year, and we plan on getting our name out and making applicants aware that we are aiming to take on several apprentices and higher level apprentices in the areas of electrical and electronic engineering.”
Echoing the current strong demand for apprentices in the engineering field was Julie Fox, HR Manager at SAM Aerospace. Julie commented:
“We are here this evening at the Big Apprenticeship Event in Craigavon as our company is vastly expanding and we are looking for the next generation of engineers. There is currently a shortage of qualified and experienced engineers within our industry sector and we plan to counteract this by developing and investing in our own talent by taking on apprentices interested in both the Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) and Engineering (Mechatronics) pathways.”
Among those attending the Big Apprenticeship Event was Daniel Tennyson with dad Paul Tennyson from Portadown. Daniel attended the Big Apprenticeship Event saying;
“I’m looking for a higher-level apprenticeship right now, something to do with engineering preferably. I honestly think apprenticeships are the way to go as you are getting a wage, experience, a degree and a job out of it. It’s a no brainer in my opinion.”
Also in attendance was Reece Duncan, a student at Portadown College currently completing his A-levels. Reece attended the event to explore career pathways in accountancy and connect with potential employers.
“I’m finishing my A-levels this year, studying maths, chemistry and geography, and I’m hoping to pursue a career in accountancy and finance. I enjoy working with numbers and money, and this event was a great opportunity to look at employers and accountancy-focused opportunities.”
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented:
“It has been incredible to see the continued growth in interest in apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships year on year, along with the confidence people now have in choosing this route as a first-class career pathway. At the College, we continue to strengthen our apprenticeship provision, working closely with employers to ensure our programmes reflect real industry needs across the region.
Apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships combine earning, learning and progression, providing people with the skills, experience and qualifications needed to succeed in today’s economy. Our ambition remains clear: to open doors to meaningful, sustainable careers and to support individuals at every stage of their professional journey. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of apprentices this September as they take the next step towards their future.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray added:
“Both the Council and the ABC Labour Market Partnership are delighted to support the Big Apprenticeship Event and to work in partnership with Southern Regional College to help nurture the skills our economy needs most.
Events like this play a key role in connecting people with real training and employment opportunities, whether they are starting out in their careers, seeking to retrain, or looking to progress within their chosen field.
By bringing together learners, employers and training providers under one roof, we can showcase the breadth of pathways available and ensure our residents are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Strengthening our local workforce is essential to the long‑term prosperity of the borough, and we will continue to champion initiatives that support skills development, boost employability and help local people access meaningful, sustainable careers.”
