SRC in partnership with Almac Group were crowned winners of the Mentor Award at the Department for Economy’s NI Apprenticeship Awards 2024 at the Titanic Museum Belfast on 27th March.
The award celebrates the essential role mentors play in the seamless integration of apprentices into the workplace. This impact is threefold; from nurturing both professional and technical competencies, to making positive contributions to the business environment.
Helen Goodrich, Senior Analytical Team Leader at Almac Sciences, emerged as the deserving recipient of this accolade. Her unwavering commitment and exceptional contribution to the growth and journey of apprentices earned her this esteemed recognition.
Helen plays a pivotal role in fostering the development of SRC’s Higher-Level Apprenticeship Applied Industrial Science students employed within Almac. Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Helen is actively involved in the Worldskills competition series. Each year, Helen supports students throughout their entire competition journey, from encouraging participation, to providing guidance during rigorous training programs.
Rebecca Liggett, current WorldSkills UK Gold medallist in the area of Laboratory Technician and WorldSkills UK 2024 Squad Member commented:
“Achieving gold at the WorldSkills National Finals was a great experience. Helen travelled to the competition with me, and it was comforting to have her with on the journey with me. She regularly checked in with me during the competition which made the entire process a little easier. I really appreciated this.”
Rebecca is a current Higher Level Apprenticeship student in Applied Industrial Science at the College’s Newry campus. A foundation degree programme which combines workplace learning alongside College tutoring.
Deirdre Murray, lecturer at Southern Regional College added:
“Empathetic, supportive and thoughtful are insufficient to portray the commitment and personal interest Helen has for all the Higher Level Apprenticeships students she has and currently mentors. Working alongside Helen has been a rewarding and inspirational experience. She is always willing to put in extra time and effort going the extra mile to ensure our Higher Level Apprenticeship students achieve their potential.”
Having come through an apprenticeship programme herself, Helen is passionate and a true advocate of the apprenticeship pathway. Helen commented:
"It's an honour to have been awarded the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2024 Mentor Award. I'm really proud of the Higher Level Apprenticeship scheme we've been able to build at Almac and the value our apprentices bring to our business. It's a privilege to be part of, and I look forward to continuing to shape the scheme in the years to come"
The College would also like to congratulate Mark Savage from Re-Gen Waste Ltd who was also shortlisted as a finalist in the mentor award. Mark continues to mentor and guide many of our Higher Level Apprentice Accounting Technician students.