Inishowen lecturer wins IT Educator of the Year

North West Regional College computing lecturer Kevin McLaughlin has won the I.T Educator of the Year.

The awards, which recognise the work of innovative teachers in the IT sector, were hosted by The British Computer Society (BCS) on Wednesday, October 9.

Mr McLaughlin from Muff has over 20 years experience working as a lecturer. In that time he has helped over 600 students of all ages into new careers through Kickstart and various technical training initiatives with local IT companies.

“We are beyond proud of our lecturer Kevin McLaughlin who has been named 2024 I.T Educator of the Year at the British Computer Society Northern Ireland Further Education awards.It’s so well deserved,”  commented a spokesperson for the NWRC.

After winning the award Mr McLaughlin said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won the BCS Northern Ireland - The Chartered Institute for IT, IT Educator of the Year Award.

“I firstly would like to thank BCS for their great work and supporting this award. I would also like to congratulate my fellow finalists who do fantastic work.

“ I would like to thank my employer, the North West Regional College, for nominating me in the first place. I’m delighted they have felt I’m deserving of this award.

“Years of hard work, learning new skills and inspiring the next generation of software professionals does not come easy. However, the great people you meet along the way makes it so much better.

“I couldn’t have done it without working with some great colleagues old and new over the years. Too many to mention personally but I have to mention my former colleague Kevin Clarke. He is a great friend and mentor to me and I really appreciate that.

“Finally, I have to thank my family who have kept me grounded and content over the years. This has helped me to push myself and deliver the outcomes I’ve had over the years.”