Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment students at South West College have gained valuable industry insight through a two-day Futures for All programme, culminating in a site visit to the major redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen.
As work progresses on the transformative £70 million project, SWC students had the opportunity to visit the site of the new Passivhaus Leisure Centre being delivered by GRAHAM in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, gaining first-hand exposure to one of the most innovative construction developments on the island of Ireland.
The visit formed part of a wider learning experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world practice, with students initially attending an industry talk delivered by GRAHAM. Discussions focused on the Passivhaus design, sustainable construction methods, and the building process behind the landmark scheme.
Once completed, the development will become the first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre on the island of Ireland.
During the visit, students met industry professionals working on the project and were given a behind-the-scenes look at site operations, helping them better understand the scale, coordination, and technical detail involved in delivering a project of this nature.
BTEC students described the experience as highly informative, noting that it significantly enhanced their understanding of how construction projects are delivered and helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and on-site practice.
John Moss, Head of Department for Sustainability, Construction and Transport at South West College, said:
“We would like to thank GRAHAM for their continued commitment to engaging young people in the construction industry. Opportunities like this are invaluable in supporting students’ development, fostering local talent, and helping learners build the skills and confidence to thrive in the sector.”
The College continues to work closely with industry partners to provide opportunities to support meaningful progression routes into construction and the built environment, combining academic study with practical experience to prepare students for future careers."