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Belfast Met Students and Staff Celebrated at FE Excellence Awards
Staff members Tere McBurney and George Elwood were both honoured at the Further Education Excellence Awards in Cookstown on Thursday 4 June, receiving the recognition award for their exceptional lifetime contributions to Further Education.
Tere is a Curriculum Area Manager for English for Speakers of Other Languages, and Modern Languages. George is a Student Support Assistant based in the Centre for Supported Learning.
The event saw Northern Ireland's six further education colleges come together to recognise and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of students and staff who have made a significant contribution to further education.
During the evening, Belfast Met students were recognised for their achievements across a range of disciplines, highlighting the breadth of talent and ambition within the college community.
Alix McCone was recognised with the FE Excellence in Higher Education Award following a remarkable educational journey that saw her progress from BTEC Level 3 study to achieving a First-Class Honours degree in Fashion Production and Business.
Her innovative and commercially focused work earned first place in an external collaboration with The Cooneen Group, demonstrating both her creativity and readiness for a successful career within the fashion industry.
FE student, Kate Grant, welcomed guests on the evening. A model and advocate from Cookstown, Kate made history in 2018 by becoming the first model with Down’s syndrome to win an international beauty title. She has since continued to be a transformative force in the fashion industry and a role model across further education.
The ceremony was also opened by Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, Janis Scallon, who gave an address.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education, DfE, said:
“Our further education sector plays a vital role in our economic and social progress. Through strong partnerships with industry and across government, colleges equip people with the skills to succeed, support business growth, and contribute to a more inclusive, productive and regionally balanced economy.
“The sector continues to deliver strong outcomes in a challenging financial context, demonstrating strong value for money while responding to increasing demand.
“The Further Education Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our colleges and those who contribute to their success. At a time when skills have never been more important, it is right that we acknowledge this contribution and maintain our shared ambition to go further - improving outcomes, widening opportunity, and ensuring the sector remains central to our local economy.”
Damian Duffy Principal and Chief Executive at Belfast Metropolitan College said:
“Tere McBurney and George Elwood have each made an exceptional contribution to Further Education throughout their careers, and this recognition reflects the lasting impact they have had on generations of learners, colleagues and the wider sector. Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to helping others succeed embodies the very best of Belfast Met and Further Education as a whole.
“I am equally proud of the achievements of our students, whose success stories demonstrate the transformative opportunities that Further Education provides. Whether progressing through apprenticeships, higher education, lifelong learning or vocational training, our award winners have shown remarkable determination, talent and ambition.
“Their accomplishments are a testament to the strength of our college community and the vital role Further Education plays in developing the skills and talent needed for the future.”
