Off to Uni: OCN Learners Take the Next Step to Ulster University

Online training has thrived over the last 18 months. We have seen rising numbers across all courses, particularly our OCN accredited courses. Since May 2020, a total of 149 learners have registered to complete our OCN Levels 1,2 & 3 Community Development courses alone.

Using a mixture of Google Classroom, Ambition, and Zoom, we have provided a blended and flexible learning platform to suit various learners. With ongoing assessment and digital support to fit around the needs and interests of each learner, we have reached out to more learners and community groups from across the province than ever before, including those who may not have been able to attend our face-to-face training previously due to other commitments.

More and more, our learners are now also interested in continuing their education in Community Development at Ulster University.

Supporting Communities’ Training Officer, Karla Turner, organised an online information session with Dr. Rosemary Moreland, Course Director and Senior Lecturer at Ulster University, to help learners take that next step.

Seventeen staff and volunteers attended from across the country. The session provided an opportunity for our OCN learners to ask questions and explore what their next options could be. We are delighted with the results - six learners are set to begin their degree in September!

“I’m so pleased that our online training continues to be such a huge success," said Karla. "Our OCN training courses have never been busier. Seeing learners progress from Level 1 to 3 and then continue their education at Ulster University is amazing. Getting to know each learner and watching their confidence grow each week has been a huge highlight for me. They all have so many exciting plans for the future, and I cannot wait to watch it all develop.”

Claire Crawley from the Ulster Towers Residents Association is one of our students headed to university next semester.

She told us:

"I love volunteering in my local community and always wondered could I be good enough to do this as full-time work. When I was offered to complete the OCN qualifications with Supporting Communities, I jumped at the chance. I wasn’t feeling too confident, but Karla was an amazing trainer. She was very understanding and helped me every step of the way. I am now completing my 'Unblocking Potential' course with Ulster University over the summer and starting my BSc. Hons. Community Development in September.

None of this would have been possible without the help and support from Karla and Supporting Communities. I cannot thank Karla enough for making me believe in myself and showing me that I can do this.

If anyone else is doubting themselves and wondering if they can do it… the answer is yes, you can! Reach for those goals. I did, and I am not looking back.”

Best of luck to Claire and everyone starting back to school this year!