South West College,
Level 3 Bench Joinery apprentice James Little from Newmills successfully carved out his own exporting business in the intricate trade of bespoke joinery. Thanks to the apprenticeship pathway at South West College, which provided him with a broad range of high-quality joinery skills and qualifications at a young age.
Now an experienced craftsman, James describes the apprenticeship route as invaluable and is grateful for all the incredible career opportunities that have come his way.
In partnership with South West College (SWC), Oakleaf Contracts, a local company based in Magherafelt, will open its doors to host a recruitment open evening on Thursday 19 August 7-9pm for prospective students to find out more about becoming a dry lining apprentice.
As school leavers eagerly await their results and consider their future, a multitude of career progression pathways is available to them at their local Further Education College. South West College (SWC), in conjunction with the other five Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland (NI), have collaborated to fully inform prospective students of their options by producing a package of resources to promote and enhance the immense range of apprenticeship schemes available within NI.
South West College (SWC) are pleased to announce that from September 2021, they are offering six new Higher-Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), to add to the existing portfolio of nine HLA programmes that are already available locally at the college.
Vocational training has had a long history in the education system in Northern Ireland, helping individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. For anyone considering a career in the motor vehicle industry, female apprentices Shanice Murray, Courtney Robinson and Chloe McCrossan, are a great example, as all three continue their studies in what was once considered a male dominated industry.
Fionan Devenney from Drumquin gained the confidence and ‘skills to succeed’ at South West College (SWC) thanks to the
NI Apprenticeship Programme, which offered tailored support that helped him grow, achieve and reach his career goals.
‘they’re a stepping stone to wherever you want to go.’
South West College’s (SWC) Centre for Excellence Manager for Work Based Learning, Christopher Robinson, has seen a lot of change in apprenticeships since he first left school to complete his own almost twenty years ago. Since then, apprenticeships have evolved, with more industries availing of their methods, more students choosing them, and public perceptions changing. The result of all these changes mean that Christopher sees apprenticeships as a better educational opportunity than ever before.
Matthew Logue from Omagh has benefited from a vocational apprenticeship in Auto and Electrics at South West College (SWC) as it offered him a unique opportunity to work, earn and learn from day one, allowing him to pursue further education and accomplish his career goals.
Three talented South West College apprentices have been shortlisted for awards at the
2021 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards, the winners of which will be announced at a special ‘virtual’ ceremony on Wednesday 28 April.