More than 350 students have graduated from Northern Regional College (NRC). The graduates, their parents and other guests gathered at Galgorm Manor in Ballymena yesterday to take part in the annual Higher Education Awards Ceremony.

NRC’s catchment covers the north-east of the province and mid–Ulster and it provides professional education and training to 35,000 students.

James Toland, chair of the Institute of Directors Education and Skills Committee, delivered the keynote speech at the graduation ceremony.

He said: “In a world where uncertainty has rapidly become the only certainty, the most important means for maximising opportunities in life and thus our self-esteem is for each of us to take advantage of the opportunities for self-development through education and training.

“The Institute of Directors sees as its key role the professional development of its members.

“In turn, the IoD Education and Skills Committee believes that all members of our society in Northern Ireland should have ready access to appropriate and relevant education and training, with the necessary meaningful recognition in the form of qualifications, throughout their life.

“This of course is the primary means of ensuring that we can indeed realise all our dreams through the attainment of a successful and vibrant local economy.”

In his address, Northern Regional’s director and chief executive, Trevor Neilands, said: “Congratulations to all those who have successfully achieved their goal today.

“It is encouraging that more students each year are choosing to study higher education programmes.

“As a college, we strive to provide people with the skills they need for the jobs they want so that they can reach their true potential.

“In doing so, we are helping to provide a dynamic and innovative society.”