Held at The Seagoe Hotel in Portadown, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of top-performing students from further education colleges across the region. The event brought together nominees, their families, lecturers, and leading industry professionals to recognise emerging talent within Northern Ireland’s transport engineering sector. Sponsors of the event included Search Workshop Supplies, Radius Vehicle Solutions, Garage Equipment, Transport Supplies, Road Trucks Scania, and TBF Thompson.
During the evening, Chris Slowey, Managing Director of Manfreight one of Northern Ireland’s leading transport companies, delivered an insightful industry talk and presented awards to the winners at Levels 2, 3, and 5, who were selected by a panel of experts from the IRTE.
Nominated by his tutor, SWC apprentice Charlie Rolland, currently studying for a Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair at the College’s Omagh campus, and employed by Stephen Duncan Commercials in Bready was awarded the prestigious title of IRTE Ireland North Centre Student of the Year.
Fellow apprentice Andrew Preston, undertaking a Level 3 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair and employed by Leitch Crane Hire, Victoria Bridge, also received a special commendation in recognition of his exceptional technical abilities and academic performance.