Computing student secures place on prestigious AI Programme
A North West Regional College (NWRC) computing student has won a place on Patch x OpenAI Young Builders Week in Dublin – a programme bringing together some of Ireland's brightest young tech minds.
17 year-old Louie Proctor, who has just completed the first year of his two-year Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in I.T. at the college’s Strand Road Campus, will travel to Dublin on June 8 to take part in the residential programme.
For five days he’ll participate in hands-on project work, hear from expert speakers, and take part in workshops covering AI for science, coding with AI tools, and AI safety.
The programme is backed by OpenAI — the organisation behind ChatGPT — and run by Patch, Ireland's community for exceptional young technologists, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
It sits at the absolute cutting edge of where technology is heading and getting selected puts Louie in a room with some of the sharpest young people on the island.
It’s great opportunity for the former Foyle College student who has always had a fascination with computing. He’s also an active member of the gaming charity Kippie where he has been learning how to make games since he was a younger teenager. Louie is now a volunteer with Kippie inspiring the next generation of game makers.
Louie said: “I am really excited about this opportunity and to meet new, like minded people and learn new skills. “
Peter Wisener, Head of Faculty of Business, Media and Technology at NWRC congratulated Louie on his success.
He added: “Since Louie joined NWRC in September he has proved himself to be highly skilled in computing. The college prides itself on providing the highest standard of courses in this sector from Level 2 Traineeships right up to our Level 6 top up degree with the Open University.
“For a student from the North West to be selected for a programme of this calibre — backed by one of the most influential AI companies in the world — is something worth celebrating.
“We wish Louie all the best at the programme, we’re sure he’ll bring back what he has learned to share with his fellow students, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”
