A programme from Belfast Met is opening doors for underrepresented groups across the city with eight in 10 learners progressing into employment, further or higher education, apprenticeships or onward training, according to figures published today. 

Belfast Metropolitan College has secured funding through the UKRI TechLocal AI Professional Degree and Traineeship Accelerator competition to deliver AI Pathways NI: Work Integrated Learning Initiative.

Belfast Met is delighted to have been named a finalist in the 2026 Engage Awards, having been shortlisted in the Excellence in Improving Customer Outcomes category for its Assured Skills Academies programme.

Carrie Gray from north Belfast says her eyes were opened to new possibilities through a Digital Skills Academy with Belfast Met. Since graduating, the 25-year-old has enrolled on a Foundation Degree in Film Production.

Belfast Met and NI Water have launched a new employer-led Applied Science Work-Based Learning Research Project for Level 2 Traineeship students, offering an exciting opportunity for learners to apply their scientific knowledge to real-world environmental challenges in the field of water purification processes.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, Belfast Metropolitan College, Belfast City Council and SoS Bus has today, Wednesday 9th September, launched its student safety campaign.

When Conor Ferguson enrolled on Belfast Met's Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business at the age of 20, he was looking for a fresh start and a pathway to university. Today, at 26, he is a First-Class Honours graduate from Loughborough University, a 2024 Olympian Swimmer, published researcher, and co-founder of a sports technology business. 

Belfast Met has been announced as a finalist in the Sustainability Institution of the Year category at the UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards 2026, one of the most respected sustainability awards programmes in the education sector.

As students across Northern Ireland consider their next steps, Belfast Met is encouraging learners to explore the education and training opportunities available through its upcoming Clearing events.

For generations, teaching has been a family tradition for Lucy Creagmile. Following both her mum and nana into the profession, the 22-year-old is just weeks away from beginning her first teaching role at a grammar school in County Down.

For Grace, returning to education to study an HLA Foundation Degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events has opened so many doors, both professionally and personally. 

India Robinson has worked in the family business – JBR Services – from a young age. After discovering full-time education was not the pathway for her, India immersed herself in JBR Services, working full-time with her dad and two brothers.

Studying an Higher Level Apprenticeship in Event Management has been a life-changing experience for second year student, Isabel Mills.

Meet Caoimhe Sherlock, a Level 3 student studying an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery at Belfast Met. The apprentice is currently working as a Joiner at Combined Facilities Management, enabling Caoimhe to gain industry experience and put her learnings into action.

Swapping careers may feel like a big step, but for Nicole Cameron, it allowed her to follow her passions. After years of working in Occupational Therapy, Nicole began her new career with a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management.

On Thursday 20 February, the A-Level department within the School of Academic and Continuing Education (ACE) hosted a visit by global human rights activist, Stuart Milk.

Meet our talented second year student, Matthew Ciesla. The Level 3 BTEC Digital Art & Animation student competed in the most recent World VFX Day Art Competition and achieved third place with his incredible 10 second animation clip.

After graduating in November 2024 with a Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice, Nicole Patterson looks back on her time at Belfast Met fondly.

In January 2025, The Belfast Data Analytics Academy was launched, an innovative apprenticeship programme delivered by Belfast Metropolitan College in partnership with Citi and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

"Whether you’re at the start of your career or, like me, looking to upskill or change direction, an apprenticeship at Belfast Met is a brilliant opportunity!" Currently in her second year studying a Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Business Data Management, Pamela Dunseath's career has skyrocketed since beginning her Apprenticeship journey.