South West College Students Help Shape Ireland’s First Passivhaus Leisure Centre

Among those on-site is third-year Omagh Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Civil Engineering student Shona McLaughlin, employed with Atmac Construction. She described the opportunity as “amazing”, highlighting the benefits of combining academic study with site-based learning.

Shona said: “The HLA route has provided me with so many opportunities, and being involved in such a major project highlights the quality of learning we are experiencing. What we learn in college directly links with what we see on site; it truly goes hand in hand.”

First-year Enniskillen Construction Engineering and Surveying HLA student John Corrigan, working as a Trainee Planner with GRAHAM, said the role has given him “incredible” early exposure to major project delivery alongside his studies.

John said: “A typical day involves planning work schedules, tracking progress, speaking with subcontractors and helping to keep projects on time and within budget.”

“What I learn in class on Monday, I can often see happening on site during the week, so the information sticks much better.”

Former student Julian Brock, now with GRAHAM for 10 years, credited SWC with providing the foundation for his career. He began his studies at the Enniskillen campus before progressing to a Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering at the Omagh campus.

While studying, he also took part in a fully funded Institution of Civil Engineers trip to China, which he described as a “fantastic learning experience”. Julian now works across a variety of major projects and says no two days are ever the same.

His advice to anyone considering a career in construction is simple: “Take the leap. Attend South West College and try to get as much work experience as possible outside of class. The experience you gain is invaluable.”