Apprentice Connect

South West College works in partnership with local companies to provide opportunities for young people and adults to undertake apprenticeships, increasingly at higher levels, studying at the College whilst employed.

There are currently almost 2,000 apprentices studying at the college and working locally, with over 600 undertaking Higher-Level Apprenticeships (HLAs). Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors including Engineering, Construction, Dental and Accountancy, and provide participants with the opportunity to earn while you learn, working with local companies, earning wages, and studying qualifications up to and including Hons Degrees without attracting fees.

The college works with prospective apprentices and local employers seeking to match talent with apprenticeship opportunities through Apprentice Connect.

This year’s programme includes events planned in each campus as follows:

Omagh, Tuesday, 29th April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Dungannon, Wednesday, 30th April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Enniskillen (Technology and Skills Centre), Thursday, 1st May, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Enniskillen (Erne Campus), Tuesday, 6th May, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Following recent Open Days, the college already has over 700 young people who have registered interest in apprenticeships. Over coming weeks, staff will be contacting local employers and inviting them to register for an Apprentice Connect event so that they can meet and engage with potential future employees. These events are open to the public and provide another opportunity for young people to consider the options available to them after school.

Prospective employers who would like more information about the event should email

apprenticeconnect@swc.ac.uk or complete this short Expression of Interest form

Commenting on Apprentice Connect Celine McCartan College, Principal and Chief Executive, stated:

"Apprentice Connect is key to the College’s role in providing skills and opportunities locally. I am looking forward to engaging with young people, parents, and local employers to promote Apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships – which create jobs with training in-built locally.

Sean McDermott, CEO & Owner of LoughTec, added;

“The HLA learning pathway being provided is a fantastic option for students to earn and learn at the same time. As an employer LoughTec get a great opportunity to mould the HLA Student into a well-rounded employee that truly represents our core values whilst the student greats a great work/life experience and opportunity.

At the end of the HLA the student has zero Student Debt, two years practical work experience and has taken the first step on a life long learning journey in IT and Cyber Security.”

Prospective apprentices or employers who would like more information about the event should email apprenticeconnect@swc.ac.uk