Looking Ahead Programme helps pupils plan for future

Looking Ahead Programme helps pupils plan for future

18 June 2025

SHIMNA Integrated College in Newcastle was the venue for a three-day careers seminar last week.

The Looking Ahead Programme was designed to motivate, guide, and inform students as they consider their future pathways and life beyond school.

The programme offered students a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of speakers, from leading professionals and entrepreneurs to past Shimna students now thriving in global careers. It was a vibrant celebration of aspiration, local success, and the power of education to shape lives.

“This was about more than careers advice, it was about showing our students what’s really possible,” said Joanne Poland, assistant vice-principal.

“The speakers gave our students more than job deions, they gave them real life stories of resilience, creativity and ambition.”

One of the defining features of the programme was its celebration of local talent. Many of the guest speakers were past Shimna students, who returned to their school to share their diverse experiences from international finance and law to medicine, cosmetics, engineering, and digital content creation.

Their insights not only demonstrated the wide range of exciting career paths available but also reinforced the message that success can start right here in the Mournes.

The event opened on Tuesday with a heartfelt talk from Derek Bailey, a founding teacher and former Head of Science at Shimna College, who spoke about the joy and challenge of working in education and how much it has changed over time.

Students then heard from Pamela Young and Frances Miller, of Ulster Bank, who ran a powerful workshop on frauds and scams, helping young people learn how to protect their financial futures.

Eva Maxwell, Hannah O’Neill, Darrelle McNicholl and Emma Burns, from Deli Lites, spoke passionately about the company’s journey from a small sandwich bar in Newry to the global food-to-go brand, sharing insights into the food industry, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Jack McCartan, a former Shimna student now working at Citi Bank in Belfast, gave a personal and practical talk on working in global finance, stocks, and bonds. From the trading floor to future trends, students were fascinated by his journey from Newcastle to one of the world’s biggest financial institutions.

Also on Tuesday, Angela Morgan, a former Shimna College parent, founding governor, and experienced civil servant, delivered an engaging talk on the wide range of career opportunities within government, highlighting the diversity of roles and the potential for meaningful public service.

Vet Julie Bilchak spoke passionately about her work with Norbrook Laboratories, highlighting the diversity of roles in the animal pharmaceutical industry.

A stand-out moment came from YouTuber and global content creator John Nellis, a former Shimna student with over 7.18 million subscribers. Calling in live from an airport queue on his way to Manchester City FC, John’s dedication to his old school shone through.

Despite being on his way to film exclusive football content, he made time to speak about his career journey, from Shimna’s science technician to air traffic controller, to one of YouTube’s most followed personalities. His message: “Be bold, take risks, and back yourself.” 

Another former student, Brendan McDowell, founder of BPerfect Cosmetics, also wowed students with his journey from market stall to global beauty brand, inspiring students with his entrepreneurial drive and creativity. 

Shimna assistant vice-principal Joanne Poland recalled how Brendan was one of Shimna’s very first 60 students in September 1994.

She noted that if it weren’t for the foresight of Brendan’s parents and his decision to join a school that didn’t even exist at the time, Shimna Integrated College would not be here and become the “fantastic, thriving integrated school it is today”. 

The day closed with Holly Plater from Brasenose College, Oxford, who guided students through life at Oxford University,

Ellen Taylor, from Downpatrick, who is studying History and Politics at Brasenose College, spoke about the incredible opportunities she has experienced there. She encouraged our students to consider applying, noting that while Northern Ireland students are underrepresented at top universities like Oxford, they consistently achieve the highest A-level results in the UK.

On day two Dianne McKay, from Clanrye Group, outlined how their Skills for Life and Work programme supports young people with employability skills.

Jack Brown, from Glasgow Caledonian University, gave an engaging session on university life, student finance, the application process and opened students’ eyes to the benefits of studying in Scotland.

Aoibhin McKinney and Joanne Mathers, of First Derivative, a leading fintech company, discussed career routes in technology and finance, while Edel Owens, a health coach and entrepreneur, shared how she built a business, The Wholefood Hero, supporting women and children’s wellbeing. 

Solicitor and former parent Seamus Delaney gave students a deeper understanding of legal careers, drawing from his experience in criminal law and running his own firm in Newcastle.

Journalism came to life through John Keane, a founding governor and former parent, spoke about his time as a crime correspondent and former assistant editor at the Sunday World.

Martin McGinn, from Ulster University, shared insights into careers in 3D design, highlighting how creativity and emerging technologies like 3D printing and AR are shaping the future of design. He also discussed real-world projects in healthcare and business, showing how design thinking can drive innovation and impact. 

Liz Simpson, from CAFRE, also gave students a taste of the thriving careers in agri-food and land-based industries, emphasising the sector’s innovation, sustainability, and growing demand for skilled professionals.

On Thursday, Diarmuid Cahill, from Dundalk Institute of Technology, helped students understand the CAO process, student life and further education in Ireland. Mary Kate McKevitt, from New Driver NI, tackled road safety in a relatable, engaging way.

Corporal Alistair Donald, from the Army Reserves, shared personal stories of resilience and the wide range of careers available in the armed forces to a packed audience.

Environmental issues were covered by Kendrew Colhoun, a local parent and environmental consultant, while BBC journalist Noel Thompson inspired students with his experiences in broadcast journalism and his recent return to learning, having sat AS Level exams again.

Year 13 Shimna student Ana McKee, one of Noel’s classmates, enjoyed catching up with him afterwards to compare how they both got on; a lovely moment that captured the spirit of lifelong learning and the unexpected friendships it can spark.

The programme ended on a high with Dr Orla O’Connor, a former Shimna student now working as a GP in Newcastle, who spoke passionately about her journey into medicine and the rewards of a career in healthcare.

Sinead Morgan, from Finnebrogue, shared insights into careers in food innovation, sustainability, and marketing and Lucy Marshall, from Workplus, rounded off the programme with practical guidance on apprenticeships and how to earn while you learn.

Shimna’s Looking Ahead programme was more than just a careers event; it was a celebration of what’s possible when education, ambition, and community come together. The former students were fantastic examples of local young people doing well for themselves and the event offered a great opportunity for a positive story celebrating local success, aspiration, and the impact of education.

Shimna principal Steve Pagan thanked all of the guest speakers for giving up their time.

“It was great to see so many of our former students and other visitors linked to Shimna taking part,” he said.

“It sends a positive message to our students about what is possible with the right attitude and work ethic.”

Head girl Aurora Symington Milligan said: “The Looking Ahead Programme was a great opportunity for our students to hear firsthand from such a wide variety of businesses about career options.

“Ms Poland organised three days of talks and we’re grateful to all the businesses and business owners for giving their time to speak to us. It has opened up more options for me that I hadn’t thought about previously.” 

Year 11 student Viktor Vasyliev said: “I enjoyed every single minute and a big thanks to everyone.”