From South West College to the ICE Spotlight: Mark Loughran’s Rising Star in Civil Engineering 25 Apr 2025 South West College is proud to celebrate the success of Mark Loughran, a shining example of academic excellence, professional determination, and engineering promise. A former SWC student, Mark was recently named a finalist in the 2025 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Northern Ireland Emerging Engineers Award (EEA) – a prestigious platform recognising the most talented early-career engineers across the region. Mark’s civil engineering journey began within the classrooms and corridors of SWC. From his first days on the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, progressing to the Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering and subsequently achieving First Class Honours in the BSc Construction Engineering and Management top-up degree, he consistently demonstrated a passion for learning, a drive for innovation, and a genuine commitment to shaping the future of infrastructure. During his time at South West College, Mark excelled in both academic and practical aspects of engineering. He stood out not only through outstanding coursework but also by fully engaging with SWC’s strong industry partnerships. A placement with Heron Bros Ltd proved particularly formative, igniting a keen interest in renewable energy solutions – a sector in which he now thrives. After graduating, Mark joined Bally Renewables Ltd as a Graduate Engineer. His work centres on expanding renewable energy infrastructure across Northern Ireland, while addressing the planning challenges that can hinder sustainable progress. His ICE EEA paper explored these planning constraints in detail and was noted for its clear technical focus and relevance to current policy discussions. Mark’s paper was selected for presentation at the ICE Northern Ireland Emerging Engineers Award finals, where he was announced as one of only three finalists across the region – an impressive recognition of his growing impact in the field. This honour reflects not only Mark’s individual talent, but also the strength of the academic and professional foundation built during his time at SWC. At the final presentation event, Mark was joined by fellow finalists Richard Fitzsimmons and Timothy McCaughey, both of whom brought impressive experience and insight. Richard, a Civil Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, presented on enhancing water and wastewater resilience through Belfast’s Living with Water Programme. Timothy, an Apprentice Civil Engineering Technician at Translink, was ultimately named the 2025 EEA winner. John Moss Head of Department Sustainability Construction and Transport said: “South West College is delighted to see Mark’s achievements recognised at such a high level and remains proud to have supported him throughout his academic and professional journey. His progression from aspiring student to respected industry professional is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through dedication, ambition, and expert guidance. As Mark continues to play a key role in the development of renewable infrastructure across Northern Ireland, he remains an inspiration to current and future SWC students. His story reflects the College’s mission to empower the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders.” Get into Construction: OCN NI Level 2 Retrofit Skills for Building Fabric & Services Dungannon Further Education Construction & Built Environment Level 2 Part-Time This Retrofit course has been developed to up-skill and re-skill the workforce in the skills and knowledge required to meet the demands of the construction industry and local and regional employers. The learner will gain knowledge and skills relating to the following: Understand the process of retrofitting domestic dwellings. The appropriate methods to achieve airtig... View OCN NI Level 2 Retrofit Skills for Building Fabric & Services BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering & Management -HLA (Top-up) (Validated by The Open University) Dungannon Omagh Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 6 Part-Time The overarching aim of the BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering and Management (Top-up) programme is to produce high calibre graduates who shall have obtained the relevant competencies to undertake roles within one of the many disciplines of construction engineering and construction management. The programme has been developed to produce professional and competent construction managers and engin... View BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering & Management -HLA (Top-up) (Validated by The Open University) OCN NI L4 3D CAD / Building Information Modelling BIM / Revit Dungannon Higher Education Computer Aided Design (CAD) Construction & Built Environment Level 4 Part-Time This course is aimed at those who would benefit from a knowledge of Building Information Modelling BIM software, in this case Autodesk Revit. Students learn through hands on activities, and tutor led practical demonstrations of the software in use. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self employed students. Please ask for further de... 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View BEng (Hons) Building Services with Sustainable Energy (Top-up) (Validated by The Open University) Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Further Education Construction & Built Environment Level 3 Part-Time The aim of this course is to build upon the interest learners may already have in the field of civil engineering, to develop their skills, deepen their understanding, and prepare them either to progress to Higher Education in the field, advance within their current employment or enter the industry directly. The practical nature of the course helps develop the learner's expertise in the area of ... View Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering Apprenticeship City & Guilds Level 2 Award in 2D Computer Aided Design Dungannon Further Education Computer Aided Design (CAD) Construction & Built Environment Level 2 Part-Time City & Guilds Level 2 Award in 2D Computer Aided Design (using Autocad) is an ideal qualification for anyone employed at any level in the design or manufacturing sector to achieve, particularly if you wish to increase your knowledge and skills in order to progress your career. Autocad is used extensively in the fields of construction, engineering and product design with employers in these i... View City & Guilds Level 2 Award in 2D Computer Aided Design Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Omagh Further Education Construction & Built Environment Level 3 Full-Time The aim of this course is to build upon the interest learners may already have in the field of construction, to develop their skills, deepen their understanding, and prepare them either to progress to Higher Education in the field, or to enter the industry directly. The practical nature of the course helps develop the learner's expertise in the area of construction through hands-on experience, ... View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (RQF) Passivhaus Tradesperson Enniskillen Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 4 Part-Time This course is aimed at trades people who are currently employed in the construction sector, or for anyone planning a self build of a passive house. It will suit building contractors and tradespersons on high performance building envelopes; as well as designers and consultants interested in the practical skills required of building to the Passive House standard. Skills Focus funding is ... View Passivhaus Tradesperson Passivhaus Designer Dungannon Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 4 Part-Time This course is designed to prepare students for the Passive House Institute Certified European PassivHaus Designer’s (CEPH) exam. It is appropriate for construction industry professionals such as Architects, Building Services Engineers and Construction Contractors. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self employed students. Please a... View Passivhaus Designer Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering Omagh Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time The FdEng in Civil Engineering has an industry focused approach to infrastructure design and construction, where graduates develop an extensive range of professional subject knowledge and technical skills. This STEM programme has fully embraced and embedded a host of innovative curriculum approaches to empower people and industry to shape infrastructural development for a more inclusive society... View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering (HLA) Omagh Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 5 Part-Time Students enrolling on the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering will undertake the Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering on a part-time basis to fulfil their ‘off-the-job’ training requirements. This course is designed to prepare learners for a career in Civil Engineering and related industries at higher technician level. It will provide learners with specific... View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering in Civil Engineering (HLA) Ulster University Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering with Surveying - HLA Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Omagh Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 5 Part-Time This course is designed to prepare you for many careers in Construction Engineering and Surveying - Building, Land and Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Site Engineering. You will have a holistic approach to all areas of construction through gaining cutting edge technical skills and knowledge necessary for the modern digital Construction Industry. It will provide you with specific practic... View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering with Surveying - HLA Ulster University Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Construction Engineering with Surveying Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Omagh Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time This course is designed to prepare you for many careers in Construction Engineering and Surveying - Building, Land and Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Site Engineering. You will have a holistic approach to all areas of construction through gaining cutting edge technical skills and knowledge necessary for the modern digital Construction Industry. It will provide you with specific practic... View Ulster University Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Construction Engineering with Surveying Foundation Degree Building Services with Sustainable Energy - HLA (Validated by The Open University) Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 5 Part-Time Embarking upon a career in Building Services with Sustainable Energy can open a wide variety of career choices, for example, a career path that can lead you into a mechanical, electrical or a renewable engineering aspect of a building's envelope. Building Services Engineers also have a growing role in the deployment of renewable energy systems, sustainability and energy efficiency in bu... View Foundation Degree Building Services with Sustainable Energy - HLA (Validated by The Open University) Foundation Degree Building Services with Sustainable Energy (Validated by The Open University) Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time Embarking upon a career in Building Services with Sustainable Energy can open a wide variety of career choices, for example, a career path that can lead you into a mechanical, electrical or a renewable engineering aspect of a building's envelope. Building Services Engineers also have a growing role in the deployment of renewable energy systems, sustainability and energy efficiency in bu... View Foundation Degree Building Services with Sustainable Energy (Validated by The Open University) BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering & Management (Top-up) (Validated by The Open University) Dungannon Enniskillen (Tech & Skills) Omagh Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 6 Full-Time Part-Time The overarching aim of the BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering and Management (Top-up) programme is to produce high calibre graduates who shall have obtained the relevant competencies to undertake roles within one of the many disciplines of construction engineering and construction management. The programme has been developed to produce professional and competent construction managers and engin... View BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering & Management (Top-up) (Validated by The Open University) BEng (Hons) Building Services with Sustainable Energy HLA (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) Dungannon Higher Education Construction & Built Environment Level 6 Part-Time The overarching aim of the BEng (Hons) Building Services with Sustainable Energy (Top-up) programme is to produce high calibre graduates who shall have obtained the relevant competencies to undertake roles within one of the many disciplines of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and Energy. The programme has been developed to produce professional and competent project managers and eng... View BEng (Hons) Building Services with Sustainable Energy HLA (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) Share Sign up. Get Qualified. Succeed. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. 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