OCN NI has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Qualifications and Assessment Excellence Awards 2026, recognising excellence across the UK qualifications and assessment sector.
Being shortlisted in three categories is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, innovation, and commitment demonstrated across OCN NI.
The three shortlisted awards include: Qualification of the Year- OCN NI Essential Skills Digital ICT Qualification. Qualifications and Assessment Leadership Award- Martin Flynn. Learner of the Year- Champion of Qualifications & Assessment- Reese McCaughey.
OCN NI’s Level 1- Level 2 Essential Skills Digital ICT Qualifications have been shortlisted in the Qualification of the Year category. OCN’s Essential Skills Digital ICT qualification have been established as a highly relevant and impactful solution to Northern Ireland’s growing digital skills needs. Aligned to the Refreshed Essential Skills Core Curriculum and the Northern Ireland ICT standards, the qualifications provide learners with practical, transferable digital skills that support progression into further education, training, apprenticeships and employment.
Since the qualification introduction in 2025, more than 6,200 learners have enrolled demonstrating strong demand from OCN centres. Developed in response to government priorities around digital transformation and economic growth, the qualification addresses employer demand for essential digital competencies while helping learners build confidence, improve employability and access new opportunities. Supported by an innovative online assessment platform, quality assurance processes and strong stakeholder engagement, the qualification has already delivered measurable benefits for learners and centres.
OCN Chief Executive, Martin Flynn, has been shortlisted for the Qualifications and Assessment Leadership Award. Throughout his 28 year career with OCN, Martin has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to vocational education and lifelong learning. Since becoming CEO, he has transformed OCN into Northern Ireland’s leading vocational awarding body, increasing learner engagement and expanding OCN qualifications across schools, colleges, and communities. He has championed innovation through initiatives such as the Learning Endeavour Awards and Centre Learning Grants, while embedding a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and staff development.
Beyond OCN, Martin has played a key role in shaping education and skills policy through strategic partnerships, research collaborations, and his leadership of the Alliance for Lifelong Learning. Respected by employers, education providers, and sector leaders, his influence has helped create opportunities for learners, promote vocational education, and drive positive change across Northern Ireland’s skills and education landscape.
OCN learner Reese McCaughey has been shortlisted in the Learner of the Year category. Reese is an exceptional learner and her dedication, ambition, and commitment to personal development have enabled her to excel academically. Alongside her studies in Information Technology at Queen’s University Belfast, she completed the OCN NI Level 4 Cyber Security qualification, participated in Hack Belfast 2026, studied social media and digital marketing at the Humber Global Summer School in Canada, and developed her own independent game project.
OCN Learner, Reese McCaughey has been shortlisted for the Champion of Qualifications & Assessment learner of the year award. Reese has become a passionate advocate for education and STEM, speaking at the OCN Learning Endeavour Awards and contributing to Cisco’s WISE programme to encourage more young women to consider careers in technology. Reese consistently demonstrates resilience, leadership, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Her ability to inspire others while seeking opportunities to grow makes her a deserving candidate for the FAB Awards.
The FAB Award winners will be announced at the FAB Conference, Exhibition and Awards, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes on Thursday 26th November 2026. Congratulations to all shortlisted nominees and best of luck in the final stage.
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