Over 350 learners, teachers, tutors, and special guests gathered at Titanic Belfast on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, to celebrate the OCN (Open College Network) Learning Endeavour Awards.
Now in its eighth year, the annual awards, hosted by Denise Watson, recognise the dedication, resilience and success of OCN learners and centres. The event highlighted powerful personal journeys, with many learners overcoming significant challenges to achieve vocational and professional qualifications.
The 2026 awards attracted a record number of nominations, with over 160 submissions received across nine categories. A total of 37 finalists were recognised as winners or highly commended, sharing £14,500 in bursaries to support their continued educational and professional development. Each recipient also received a prestigious Crystal Award in recognition of their achievements.
The ceremony opened with a live musical performance from Belfast-based singer-songwriter and OCN learner Anna Wright. OCN learner Reese McCaughey also took to the stage to share her inspiring story, outlining how alternative learning pathways helped her unlock new opportunities and progress to studying software engineering at Queen’s University Belfast.
This year’s special guest was Northern Ireland actor Martin McCann, who shared his personal story of resilience, determination and ambition, resonating strongly with the audience.
Martin Flynn, Chief Executive of OCN, said:
"I am delighted that OCN has once again provided a platform for learners to take centre stage, share their inspiring stories and receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work and achievements. The Learning Endeavour Awards highlight the transformative power of education and the incredible commitment shown by learners and centres across Northern Ireland. Every nominee and award recipient should be immensely proud of their success."
Our Winners
Further Education Learner of the Year
Ewa Gillan, South Eastern Regional College.
Winner
Third Sector Learner of the Year
Christina McAvoy, Poleglass Community Association, Sally Gardens
Winner
Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Fatma Al Masri, People 1st and Aoife Grimes, People 1st Lurgan
Winner
Schools Learner of the Year
Aoife McDonnell, St Louise’s Comprehensive College, Belfast
Winner
Health & Well-being Learner of the Year
Grace Montgomery, Northern Regional College
Winner
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Helen McCarron, Clanrye Group
Winner
Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Kenzie Stevenson, South Eastern Regional College
Winner
Advancing Learning Through Innovation
Thrive Now Group
Winner
Provider of the Year
South West College
Winner
Hilary Sloan MBE Learning Endeavour Award
Ewa Gillan, South Eastern Regional College
Winner
Highly Commended
Further Education Learner of the Year
Alex Erdis, Northern Regional College
Highly Commended
Further Education Learner of the Year
Emilis Meinertas, Southern Regional College
Highly Commended
Further Education Learner of the Year
Adrians Armans, South West College
Highly Commended
Third Sector Learner of the Year
Joanne McCandless, Habitat for Humanity Ireland
Highly Commended
Third Sector Learner of the Year
Luisa Cayabyab, Bryson Future Skills
Highly Commended
Third Sector Learner of the Year
Rosie Connolly, Aspire Media Academy
Highly Commended
Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Daniel Mitchell, Northern Regional College
Highly Commended
Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Ross Breen, Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL)
Highly Commended
Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Sophie Gibson, Start360
Highly Commended
Schools Learner of the Year
Gerard Collins, Lakewood School
Highly Commended
Schools Learner of the Year
Dan Henderson, St Patrick’s College, Maghera
Highly Commended
Schools Learner of the Year
Chloe Preston, Lecale Trinity Grammar School
Highly Commended
Health & Well-being Learner of the Year
Tracey Madden, Poleglass Community Association, Sally Gardens
Highly Commended
Health & Well-being Learner of the Year
Callum Carville, Belfast Met Supported Learning
Highly Commended
Health & Well-being Learner of the Year
Megan Cooke, HURT
Highly Commended
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Stephen McGreevy, South Eastern Regional College
Highly Commended
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Sinead Tracey, St Patrick’s College, Maghera
Highly Commended
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Mairead Fitzpatrick, Southern Regional College
Highly Commended
Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Aaron Connor, South Eastern Regional College
Highly Commended
Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Molly McCormack, Belfast Metropolitan College
Highly Commended
Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Katie McCool, North West Regional College
Highly Commended
Advancing Learning Through Innovation
South Eastern Regional College – Newcastle Families Learning Together Hub
Highly Commended
Advancing Learning Through Innovation
Connected Health – Connected Academy
Highly Commended
Advancing Learning Through Innovation
South West College – Level 4 Data Analytics Programme
Highly Commended
Provider of the Year
Northern Regional College
Highly Commended
Provider of the Year
CAFRE – Loughry Campus
Highly Commended
Provider of the Year
Malone Integrated College
Highly Commended
