A passion for computers sparked at a South West College open day has grown into a successful career in IT for John Lambe from Belleek, showcasing the strength of the college’s clear progression routes in computing from Level 3 through to degree-level study.
Always interested in technology, John’s journey began after attending an open day, where a conversation with a course tutor confirmed IT as the right career choice.
John said: “Coming to the open day and speaking directly with the course tutor really helped me see what was possible. It gave me the confidence that this was the right route for me.”
John enrolled on a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology equivalent to 3 A levels, progressing to the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing at Enniskillen campus, during which he secured a placement with the college. That placement proved pivotal, leading to ongoing employment with the college, where he has worked as an IT Technical Support Officer ever since.
Reflecting on his time as a student, John credits the course content and teaching staff with preparing him well for the realities of the workplace.
John said: “The content prepared me well for the real world. The tutors were excellent and always supportive, and the course focused on real worlds application as well as industry talks, which made a big difference when moving into employment.”
He describes the tutors as excellent and says the balance between theory and practical learning gave him the confidence and skills needed to succeed in a professional IT environment. One element of his role that often surprises people, John explains, is the importance of communication.
John said: “People don’t always expect the communication side of IT. I work with different departments every day, solving problems and keeping things running smoothly, which keeps the job interesting. Working in IT requires daily interaction with different departments, problem-solving and collaboration, all of which keep the role engaging and varied.”
Speaking about the IT industry more broadly, John highlights the diversity of work on offer. With no two days the same, the sector provides constant opportunities to learn and adapt. He also points to the strong demand for IT professionals and the wide range of career opportunities available, making it a highly attractive and future-focused career choice.
John encourages others considering a career in IT to go for it, describing it as an excellent profession with strong earning potential.
John said: “It’s a career where every day is a school day. There’s always something new to learn, and the industry is in high demand with great opportunities.”
He also praises the college for offering a clear and supportive pathway from Level 3 through to degree-level study, enabling students to build their careers step by step.