As part of NI Apprenticeship Week (2–6 February), South West College is highlighting the transformative impact of apprenticeships and the powerful opportunities created through strong local education and industry partnerships.
South West College Engineering Higher Level Apprentice Jane McGrade, from Dromore, Co. Tyrone, is a standout example of a student who is studying locally, working locally and building a successful career locally. Jane is currently studying a BEng (Hons) Degree in Engineering (Top-Up), validated by The Open University and delivered by South West College in Dungannon, while working as a Higher Level Apprentice (HLA) with Nugent Trailers, earning a wage while achieving her degree. It is a pathway she would strongly recommend to anyone considering a career in engineering.
Reflecting on her journey, Jane, who first joined the College through the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering (with Specialisms) HLA, said:
“After completing my A-Levels at Loreto Grammar School, Omagh, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering. I was inspired by women in STEM, particularly my aunt, and I always enjoyed mathematics at school, especially the strong focus on problem-solving. My aunt introduced me to the Higher Level Apprenticeship route delivered by South West College, which immediately appealed to me as it allowed me to live at home while gaining real workplace experience.”
Her pathway was further shaped when she attended South West College’s Get Engineering event, where she learned more about the structure of the programme, one day per week in college and four days per week with an employer, and made her first connection with Nugent Trailers.
Jane said:“It was through SWC’s Get Engineering event that I first made contact with Nugent Trailers, where I have since gained valuable industry experience alongside my academic studies. Throughout my journey, the team at Nugent has been consistently supportive, helping me to progress through a range of roles, from spare parts, to overseeing assembly production lines, and now to my current position as a Process Improvement Engineer across the factory.”
Jane continued:“The blend of work and college has been invaluable. During my time at the College, I have developed a wide range of technical skills, particularly in automation. I have also had the opportunity to represent the College in international competitions, including WorldSkills, and have been recognised with a number of prestigious awards, including the StricklandScholarship, as well as the Blue Mac and Powerscreen Scholarships, which have supported my higher education studies.
Overall the course has gave me the technical foundation, confidence and industry-relevant skills that have been instrumental in my career progression, alongside invaluable industry experience.”
Jane also highlighted the importance of local education provision in the west of Northern Ireland and said:
"South West College plays a vital role in supporting education in the west, providing opportunities for students like myself to gain the same qualification as studying in Belfast, but locally, at no cost, while also building up five years of industry experience."
Looking to the future, Jane remains committed to both her academic and professional development and said:
"My goal is to successfully complete my honours degree at South West College while continuing to progress in my career at Nugent Trailers. I would never change this career path and would highly recommend the Higher Level Apprenticeship route to anyone considering a future in engineering."
Jane’s story highlights the growing impact of Higher Level Apprenticeships in creating accessible, local pathways into high-skilled careers, while strengthening regional industry and developing future talent.