South West College Named OCN NI Provider of the Year in Triple Awards Success

South West College (SWC) is celebrating a remarkable achievement at the 2026 Open College Network (OCN) NI Learning Endeavour Awards, securing the prestigious Provider of the Year title alongside two additional accolades recognising excellence in innovation, teaching and learner success.

Hosted at Titanic Belfast, the annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, educators and organisations across Northern Ireland.

One of the highlights of the evening saw SWC IT student Reese McCaughey share her inspiring educational journey, demonstrating how alternative learning pathways supported her progression to study Software Engineering at Queen's University Belfast.

The College was named OCN NI Provider of the Year, recognising its commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive learning opportunities that empower learners and meet the evolving needs of local communities and employers. The award reflects SWC's strong progression pathways across programmes including Level 1 Vocational Skills, Essential Skills, Digital ICT and sustainability-focused GRASP provision.

Adding to the College's success, SWC's Level 4 Data Analytics OCN (SkillUp) programme, part-funded by the Department for the Economy's Skills Focus programme, received Highly Commended in the Advancing Learning Through Innovation category. The programme was recognised for its innovative use of digital technologies to enhance learner engagement, skills development and achievement.

Further recognition came for Adrians Armans, a Level 2 IT Traineeship student at SWC's Omagh campus, who was awarded Highly Commended in the Further Education Learner of the Year category in recognition of his dedication, progress and outstanding achievement.

Together, the awards highlight South West College's commitment to delivering innovative education, supporting learner success and creating opportunities that enable individuals to reach their full potential.

Commenting on the College's success, Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive of South West College, said:

"We are delighted to have been recognised at this year's OCN NI Learning Endeavour Awards. Being named Provider of the Year is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and innovation demonstrated by our staff every day.

"To also receive Highly Commended recognition for our Level 4 Data Analytics programme, alongside Adrians Armans' individual success, makes the achievement even more special. These awards reflect the ambition of our learners, the expertise of our staff and our commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment that helps people realise their potential and achieve their goals."

OCN NI is an educational charity and awarding organisation dedicated to advancing education and opportunity across Northern Ireland through qualifications and learning programmes that help individuals unlock their potential and transform their lives.