College backs students to reverse economic decline

Smart training and modern technology must underpin moves to repower economic growth, South West College said today.

The specialist educator made the announcement as it unveiled more than 20,000 enrolment places across its extended range of vocational training and Further and Higher Education courses and confirmed a record number of flexible part time learning opportunities.

South West College Director, Malachy McAleer said the college had invested to ensure talent had unrivalled access to world class technology and learning support.

“Outstanding mentoring and resources power people to develop skills and ideas in ways that benefit, not just the south west, but the whole of Northern Ireland. The College provides high a quality, technology-rich and flexible provision that is designed to help beat the effects of the recession, accelerate business growth and bolster confidence in a region well-known for innovation.

“In the last 12 months we’ve enrolled a record number of students because many of the courses are specifically designed to support the needs of local industry and delivered in state-of-the-art facilities that rank amongst the best in Europe,” he added.

Earlier this year the South West College followed Starbucks, Sony Ericsson and Madison Square Garden on to a list of the world’s best designed or developed websites after achieving ‘Best in Class’ status at the prestigious Interactive Media Awards.

South West College Communications Officer, Troy Prenter, said the website has since been further improved to make it easier and faster to find suitable courses on multiple platforms.

“We are constantly developing new ways to make it easier for students to find options that best match their abilities and their ambitions. We’ve found that more prospective students are researching their options through smartphones and other handsets. We’ve responded by optimising the course finder service and also placing QR codes, which direct smartphones to sections of the website, on our publications.

“Working with Astute Labs, we’ve also developed our first training programme application for iPhones aimed at engaging a broad spectrum of people interested in developing skills in trade specific areas.  This simple to use app is for both the young and old enables users to find training which suits specific needs by answering a number of multiple choice questions.”

To download the app, simply go to the iTunes Store and type in South West College or go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/south-west-college-training/id455441036?mt=8.