South West College Engineers Employment Boost for Students
South West College and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) came together in Omagh today (Tuesday) to unveil a major programme to boost employment prospects of students seeking careers in engineering.
The Embedded Technician scheme enables students enrolled on the college’s Foundation Degree courses in Construction and Civil Engineering to automatically gain ICE Technician Membership, access professional training and improve upon vital skills and knowhow sought by prospective employers.
South West College is the first college in Northern Ireland to develop the programme which has already been successfully deployed at University of Derby, Coventry University and Leeds Metropolitan University.
Malachy McAleer, Director of South West College, said it was important for students to have access to professional career development.
“This is a great opportunity for students enrolled on our Foundation degree courses to take control of their professional development, realise career paths and collaborate with industry experts. Engineering is a hugely rewarding sector to work in and this programme provides further support to help students identify job opportunities and specialist training.
“The ICE is internationally recognised and its services and training are highly valued by employers and colleagues in the industry. Attainment of professional membership at any grade is a significant achievement and a benchmark of a technician’s or engineer's competences and professional standing. The partnership with ICE is a strong endorsement of the foundation degree courses offered at South West College and the quality of teaching provided by our staff.”
Membership of ICE is available to civil engineers, technicians and technical or scientific specialists at each stage of their professional career, from students and apprentices to senior board directors. The
Embedded Technician scheme aims to develop 5,000 professionally qualified Engineering Technicians across the UK by 2015.
Bill Gowdy, Chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers in Northern Ireland said:
“This programme is an opportunity for ICE to further grow our long established relationship with South West College. It has earned a reputation for delivering practical courses that give local talent access to the very best training and advice to develop professional careers in engineering.
“The success of the Foundation degree in Construction and the recently launched Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering and Transport are further evidence of the college’s commitment to providing innovative new ways for talent to entry the industry. We’re proud to be partnering the college on this new initiative.”
In June 2010, South West College teamed up with the University of Ulster to unveil the first Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering and Transport to be offered by a college in Northern Ireland which has been fully subscribed in its first year.
Prospective students can find out more by logging on to www.swc.ac.uk or by calling 0845 603 1881.
