When Michael Allison enrolled on a Level 2 Computing course at South West College (SWC) Enniskillen, he never imagined that just a few years later, he would graduate with a BSc (Hons) Computing Science and be standing at the front of the classroom not as a student, but as a lecturer. Now a full-time member of SWC’s teaching staff, Michael delivers computing courses across the Erne and Dungannon campuses and said: “This pathway has opened doors I never thought possible.”
Michael first discovered his interest in IT while studying for his GCSEs. Wanting to pursue a subject he loved, he joined SWC’s Level 2 Computing course and quickly progressed onto a BTEC Level 3 in IT, which is equivalent to 3 A levels. From there, he moved into higher education, completing an Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing before going on to earn a BSc (Hons) Computing Science top-up with The Open University.
Reflecting on his journey at the College, Michael said:
“The teaching at SWC is second to none. It’s not like being in a university lecture hall with hundreds of students. The smaller class sizes meant I got more face-to-face time with tutors, which really helped me develop my skills and confidence.”
Michael chose to study higher education at SWC not only because of the strong computing provision, but also because it allowed him to remain close to home.
Michael said: “For me, staying local was a big advantage. The Foundation Degree and top-up were far more affordable than going away to university, and I didn’t have to pay for student accommodation. It made higher education accessible without the burden of extra costs.”
After completing his degree, Michael had a number of options open to him from roles in cybersecurity and software development to data analysis and IT support. But it was teaching that truly appealed and so, Michael registered on SWC’s Part-Time Lecturer Register and began teaching a few hours a week.
Michael said: “After a year of part-time teaching, I applied for a full-time position when it came up and now, I’m thrilled to be part of the teaching team. I get to support students on the same path I took, and that’s incredibly rewarding. If you’re passionate about computing, SWC is the perfect place to start.”
The IT and Computing Pathway at SWC offers progression from Level 2 through to Level 6, preparing students for a wide range of exciting careers in the digital and tech industries. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to education to retrain, SWC’s courses are designed to be flexible, affordable and aligned with real-world industry needs.