South West College (SWC) has today announced the launch of HLA Connect; an innovative new digital platform designed to connect aspiring Higher Level Apprentices (HLAs) with employers across the region who are actively recruiting new talent.
The launch of the HLA Connect portal marks a significant milestone in the College’s ambition to bridge the gap between Higher Education and industry by providing a direct, user-friendly link between students and businesses. The platform enables prospective HLAs to register their interest, build a CV, and explore live HLA vacancies in sectors ranging from engineering and IT to business, finance and hospitality. At the same time, employers can promote their opportunities, reach a targeted talent pool, and build meaningful partnerships with the College.
With an increasing demand for earn-while-you-learn opportunities in Northern Ireland, HLA Connect comes at a crucial time for both young people navigating post-school options and local businesses looking to invest in a skilled workforce that will help future-proof their organisations.
Noreen McGirr, HLA Manager at South West College, highlighted the impact of the platform, saying:
“HLA Connect is a game-changer for how we support both students and employers. Higher Level Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while earning valuable industry experience—and now, with this platform, access to those opportunities is more seamless than ever. We want to encourage anyone considering their next step after school to explore what HLA Connect can offer and take that first step toward a rewarding and debt-free career.”
The College is urging employers of all sizes to use the platform to advertise vacancies and tap into a growing pool of motivated and skilled candidates ready to learn and contribute to their organisations.
Ciaran McManus, Director of Development and Support at SWC, added:
“HLA Connect is more than a digital portal—it’s a powerful tool that brings education and industry closer together. It allows us to better align the ambitions of students with the real-world needs of employers. By promoting Higher Level Apprenticeships in this dynamic way, we’re reinforcing our commitment to economic growth, innovation, and workforce development across the region.
The HLA pathway at South West College combines academic study with hands-on work experience, allowing learners to earn while they learn and employers to shape the next generation of professionals in their field.
Adding her thoughts on the launch of the portal, Debbie O’Brien, Human Resources Manager at JMG Systems Ltd, said:
“At JMG, we believe that the new HLA Connect Portal is an excellent platform for future apprentices to explore placement opportunities that match their courses and to apply directly to employers. The portal is user-friendly and enables us, as employers, to communicate clearly about the status of each apprentice's application and to monitor applications throughout the entire recruitment cycle. We can customise specific questions to align with both essential and desirable criteria. We strongly encourage both apprentices and employers to make full use of the HLA Connect portal.”
Students and employers can access the platform by visiting swc.ac.uk/hlaconnect
For more information on the HLA Connect portal contact the HLA Team at hla@swc.ac.uk.