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."
Category winners
Ewa Gillan, South Eastern Regional College, was awarded Further Education Learner of the Year in recognition of her outstanding commitment to learning, personal development and academic achievement.
Christina McAvoy, Poleglass Community Association Sally Gardens, received the Third Sector Learner of the Year award. Christina’s achievement highlights the transformative impact of community learning and her commitment to personal growth and development.
The Essential Skills Learner of the Year award was jointly awarded to Fatma Al Masri, People 1st, and Aoife Grimes, People 1st Lurgan. Both winners were recognised for their exceptional dedication to developing essential skills, overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities to enhance their confidence, education and future prospects.
Aoife McDonnell, St Louise’s Comprehensive College, Belfast was awarded Schools Learner of the Year. Aoife impressed judges through her commitment to learning, resilience and positive contribution to school life.
Grace Montgomery, Northern Regional College, was named Health & Well-being Learner of the Year in recognition of her commitment to improving her own well-being while inspiring others through her learning journey.
Helen McCarron, Clanrye Group, was awarded Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year for her exceptional dedication to supporting learners and helping them achieve their goals.
Kenzie Stevenson, South Eastern Regional College, was recognised as Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year. Kenzie’s award celebrates her commitment to developing industry-relevant skills, embracing workplace learning opportunities and excelling throughout her training programme.
Thrive Now Group received the Advancing Learning Through Innovation award for its creative and forward-thinking approach to education and learner engagement.
South West College was named OCN Provider of the Year, recognising the organisation’s outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality learning opportunities, supporting learner success and responding to the needs of communities and employers.
The prestigious Hilary Sloan MBE Learning Endeavour Award was presented to Ewa Gillan, South Eastern Regional College. Ewa was recognised for her remarkable perseverance, determination and commitment to learning. Her inspirational journey exemplifies the transformative power of learning and embodies the spirit of lifelong learning that the award seeks to celebrate.
All winners and highly commended recipients
Further Education Learner of the Year
Third Sector Learner of the Year
Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Schools Learner of the Year
Health & Well-being Learner of the Year
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Trainee/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Advancing Learning Through Innovation
Provider of the Year
Hilary Sloan MBE Learning Endeavour Award
