Five SWC Apprentices Earn Prestigious ICE Quest Technician Scholarship

Five Higher-Level Civil Engineering Apprentice students from South West College (SWC) have been honoured with the prestigious Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Quest Technician Scholarship. This distinguished award recognises the achievements and ambitions of higher-level technicians within the civil engineering industry and aims to encourage and support education in this vital field.

The scholarship is open to eligible students across all the UK regions of the ICE. Applicants must complete a comprehensive application process, highlighting their academic achievements, industrial experience, and career aspirations. Following a rigorous shortlisting process, candidates are invited to attend interviews conducted by a panel of professionally qualified civil engineers. Winners are also required to assist the ICE in promoting the civil engineering profession at career events and school visits throughout Northern Ireland. The scholarship’s ultimate goal is to nurture potential among apprentices pursuing higher education courses, guiding them towards becoming qualified ICE Technician Members (EngTech MICE).

This year’s recipients studying an Ulster University Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering as Higher-Level Apprentices (HLAs) at the College’s Omagh campus, include Dylan Griffith (Year 1), from Letterbreen, employed by Fox Contracts; Michael Rafferty (Year 2), from Killyclogher, employed by Heron Bros; Colin Farrell (Year 2), from Derry, employed by K2 Design; Áine McCaffrey (Year 3), from Garvaghy, employed by GRAHAM; and David Conway (Year 3), from Dunamanagh, employed by GEDA.

Dr. Danielle McKelvey, Curriculum Manager for Sustainability, Construction, and Transport congratulated each of the recipients and said:

“We are delighted that once again, so many of our apprentices have been recognised by the ICE this year. This scholarship is a significant personal achievement and milestone for each of these students. It not only recognises their abilities and potential but also enhances their CVs while easing the financial challenges of studying to degree level.

It is a rigorous selection process for the scholarships, and to have so many of them chosen year after year reflects our apprentices’ determination and abilities. It also highlights the quality of teaching and levels of support available at the College as well as the invaluable contribution of our industrial partners, who support our civil engineering programme through employment opportunities, student placements, and membership of our Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). Their voluntary input is critical to the continued success and development of our curriculum.”

Find out more about Scholarships & Bursaries at SWC