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South West College celebrates the achievement of Higher Education students

29 Nov 2024

On Wednesday 4 December Higher Education students from South West College will join with family and friends to celebrate their efforts and academic achievements at the annual graduation ceremony at The Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

The ceremony will recognise and honour the hard work and dedication of over 500 graduates and will feature addresses from College Chief Executive and Principal, Celine McCartan and guest speaker Claire Boles from Enniskillen, who represented Ireland in the Rugby 7s at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. A student vote of thanks will be delivered by Liam Sweeney from Strabane, who is graduating with an Open University BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise and Kieran Martin from Magherafelt who is graduating with an Open University Foundation Degree Professional Practice in Culinary Arts.

Over thirty special ‘Student of the Year’ awards will also be presented to students who have achieved outstanding success in their various disciplines, such as Engineering, Construction, Computing, Early Childhood Studies and more.

Congratulating students on their achievements, Celine McCartan, Chief Executive and Principal of South West College said;

‘Graduation day is always a memorable occasion and an important milestone for our students. It is an opportunity to reflect upon their individual achievements, the knowledge gained, friendships made, and experiences shared. It is a proud day not only for the students, but their families, friends, colleagues and the staff of South West College who have helped guide them to this point.

I am delighted that the College can offer unique higher-level qualifications which have been developed to support local business. We know from our many industry partners that South West College students have the skills and qualifications they need to build successful careers. I congratulate each one of our graduates on their efforts and wish them every success for the future. I know they will do South West College proud and be strong ambassadors for the college.’

Reflecting upon his higher education studies at SWC, vote of thanks student Liam Sweeney from Strabane, said:

“The opportunity to use life experience through APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) to secure a place on the Foundation Degree in Sport & Exercise has been invaluable. It has not only enabled me to pursue a new career but also progress onto a BSc (Hons) in Sport, embedding a wealth of knowledge into my professional role. For mature learners like myself, who may lack formal qualifications, SWC opens doors to higher education and new opportunities.”

Reflecting on her positive experience, Katie Gallagher from Loughmacrory said: “Completing my foundation degree in computer science at SWC was one of the best decisions I ever made, I loved being able to study without having to stay away from home and it saved me a lot of money compared to the cost of going to a university elsewhere. After completing my foundation degree, I secured an IT Placement opportunity with Euro Auctions in Dromore.

Since starting, I have been able to use and develop new and existing skills which I have learnt through completing my foundation degree. The opportunities I have received since starting at Euro Auctions have been brilliant - I am constantly learning, and no two days are the same. I have been fortunate enough to travel the world with the team at Euro Auctions and I am surrounded by a brilliant team environment.”

Likewise, Alex Clements and Jake Reid, from Sixemilecross, former Omagh Academy students, shared their positive experiences as Higher-Level Apprentices (HLAs) while completing an Ulster University Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering. Both have since advanced to study a BSc in Construction Engineering and Management at SWC.

Reflecting on his journey, Jake, who works in a design role with MetStructures, alongside his studies said:

"Choosing to become a Higher-Level Apprentice was the best decision I made. Not only has it been a stepping stone in my career, but it has also confirmed that this is the industry I want to work in. I have seen a massive correlation between what I learn on the course and what I learn in the workplace, both working hand in hand to grow my knowledge and understanding."

Alex, who works in a contracting role with Adman, said:

"Studying my degree locally without the need to travel or take on student debt has been fantastic. The college’s strong connections with local industry provide amazing opportunities. I’d encourage any student exploring their options to seriously consider what SWC has to offer."

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