ICE President Inspires Students and Graduates During Special Visit to South West College

South West College was delighted to welcome David Porter, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), to its Omagh campus, where he met with the College’s Civil Engineering students and the record-breaking nine Higher Level Apprentices awarded ICE QUEST Technician scholarships for 2026.

As part of a programme of events, the visit celebrated the College’s ongoing contribution to civil engineering education, industry engagement, and student development, while providing students and early-career professionals the opportunity to engage directly with the ICE President and explore pathways to professional qualification and leadership.

Upon arrival, Mr Porter was greeted by college representatives, past and current students, employers, members of the Industrial Advisory Board, and senior figures from across the construction, infrastructure, and business community.

Padraig McNamee, Director of Curriculum, opened the proceedings with an overview of the College’s curriculum and ethos, highlighting its commitment to skills development, innovation, and professional growth across the region.

The visit continued with an in-depth look at civil engineering provision, led by Danielle McKelvey, Curriculum Manager. Danielle shared details of the curriculum, student achievements, and the facilities that support the College’s links with local employers, emphasising how students are equipped with the practical skills and professional knowledge required to thrive in the sector.

Students also shared their personal experiences and career journeys. Ciaran Donaghy, a graduate of South West College, spoke about progressing from a Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering to an honours degree, achieving professional chartered engineer status with ICE, and offered guidance to students pursuing similar paths. He also praised the strength of the College’s local education provision.

Emer Murnaghan outlined how the College collaborates with employers through its Industrial Advisory Board, ensuring courses are aligned with industry standards and professional qualification requirements.

The highlight of the visit was the ICE Presidential Address delivered by David Porter, the ICE’s 161st President and the first from Northern Ireland in almost 20 years. Mr Porter encouraged students to engage fully with ICE, spoke of diverse career pathways within civil engineering, and highlighted the value of apprenticeships and evolving industry training models. The address was followed by a structured Q&A, enabling students to seek advice directly from the ICE President.

Reflecting on the visit, Aine McCaffrey, former student and ICE STEM ambassador, delivered a vote of thanks, sharing how ICE has influenced her career progression while she continues her studies on the HLA route at Ulster University.

The event concluded with Mr Porter meeting students, graduates, employers, and ICE QUEST Technician Scholarship award winners.

Speaking about the visit, John Moss, Head of Sustainability Construction and Transport at SWC, said:

"Welcoming ICE President David Porter to South West College has been an honour. His visit has shone a spotlight on the exceptional work of our students and staff in civil engineering and reinforced the College’s commitment to industry collaboration and professional development. Our partnerships with employers and professional bodies like ICE are central to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to succeed in this dynamic sector."