South West College wins two prestigious National Awards

South West College has beaten competition from across the UK to claim two “Further Education Oscars” at the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards.

Based in Fermanagh and Tyrone, the College was recognised for outstanding science learning initiatives and the development of high calibre industry partnerships at the event which took place in Birmingham on 16 November.

Lord Willis of Knaresborough presented the education specialist with the AQA Award for College/School Partnerships and the AoC Create Award for College Engagement with Employers at the event.

Malachy McAleer, Director of South West College said:

“I am delighted with this outcome.  It is a major achievement for the South West College and a great credit to the many staff involved.  These awards add to the reputation of the College on a wider stage and I am certain future opportunities will arise as a result.

“I am particularly pleased that employer engagement; science, technology, engineering and mathematics excellence is central to the awards.  These are key elements for the development of the local economy.”

This year South West College unveiled the first dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) teaching facility and exhibition space in Northern Ireland.  The state-of-the-art centre in Dungannon is designed to encourage enthusiasm for science-based careers and features innovative learning technologies including a 3D visualisation suite, touch screen television and 30 iPads.

From launch in March, more than 3,000 students have engaged in the Centre’s activities which challenge students to apply STEM skills to inquiry-based learning scenarios including crime scene investigation.

Chair of the AoC Beacon Awards, Dame Patricia Morgan-Webb, said:

“As Chair of the National Steering Group it is a privilege each year to be among the first people to learn about the new and creative ways in which colleges are meeting the challenges of this tough economic climate through responsive collaborative approaches to engaging with students and developing the curriculum to meet the needs of individuals and businesses alike; all of which are underpinned by strong and supportive leadership and management.”

The Engagement with Employers Award recognised South West College’s specialist training knowledge transfer and innovation hub, the InnoTech Centre.  Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, it is designed to help move innovative ideas on sustainability, engineering, design, electronics and software closer to commercial gain.

It is currently leading a £2.1m sustainability project with local employers that aim to provide smart solutions for replacing traditional timber buildings that improve competitiveness, protect jobs and ensure business sustainability.

The AoC Beacon Awards are now in their 18th year and are awarded each year to UK colleges who capture and celebrate the positive impact they have on their students, staff and communities.