The College Alliance is delighted to be hosted by Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland, for our study visit on Wednesday 2 December & Thursday 3 December 2026.
This study visit will explore how colleges can act as strategic connectors - working with schools, employers and wider partners to create stronger pathways into technical and vocational education, skills, employment and opportunity.
Drawing on practice at Southern Regional College and across Northern Ireland’s college system, we will explore how closer collaboration between schools and colleges can create earlier opportunities for young people to access technical and vocational education, including through provision for learners aged 14-16. We will consider how these partnerships work in practice, the benefits they can bring for young people, and what makes effective school-college relationships possible.
The visit will also explore the role colleges can play as innovation partners to employers, looking at how specialist expertise and initiatives such as the Innovation Voucher model can support businesses to innovate, develop their workforce and grow. Bringing these perspectives together, we will consider what the Northern Ireland experience can tell us about the wider role of colleges within local and regional economies, and how stronger connections through educational transitions and with employers, can create better pathways into skills, work and opportunity.
Programme Overview
Wednesday 2 December 2026
To make the most of our time at Southern Regional College, the study visit will begin with a welcome evening at the Titanic Hotel, in Belfast.
Please meet in the Boardroom of the Titanic Hotel from 18:30 to meet fellow study visit participants, network and enjoy dinner together ahead of Thursday’s programme.
Thursday 3 December 2026
08:00 | Coach transfer
Please meet in the Titanic Hotel lobby by 8am for a prompt departure to Southern Regional College.
09:30 | Study visit start
15:30 | Study visit close
15:45 | Coach transfer
Coach transfer back to Belfast, stopping at Belfast International Airport (approximate arrival 16:45) and Belfast City Airport (approximate arrival 17:15). Please note, these are approximate times only. For participants booking flights, we recommend a departure time from belfast is no earlier than 19:30 to allow sufficient time for the coach journey to the airport and to check-in.
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included. We have arranged a special rate of £139 B&B per night at the Titanic Hotel, which we recommend participants book, as coach transfers to and from Southern Regional College will operate from the hotel. To book this rate, please see the Titanic Hotel booking link in your study visit booking confirmation email.
Transportation
Guests are responsible for making their own way to the Titanic Hotel, Belfast, on Wednesday 2 December. Coach transport will be provided on Thursday 3 December between the hotel and Southern Regional College, with the return coach stopping at both Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport to drop off guests.
Study visits are designed for senior sector leaders (practitioners and policy makers). Alliance member college attendees will receive priority access before places are opened more widely. Please register interest with Rachael Cochrane - rachael.cochrane@thecollegealliance.org