29 May 2008
Prospective students at the South West College from today will have a unique opportunity to enrol in an innovative new course which has been developed in co-operation with leading industry providers through the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI)
Prospective students at the South West College from today will have a unique opportunity to enrol in an innovative new course which has been developed in co-operation with leading industry providers through the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) ensuring students get the practical experience required along with the academic qualifications.
The Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering with Extractives industry Specialism was launched by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey. The Diploma consists of a 2 year full-time course split between a BTEC National Award in Construction and a Level 3 Certificate in Civil Engineering with Extractives. This course has been developed in association with the QPANI which represents the Extractives and Minerals processing industry with an annual turnover in excess of £750m, which equates to 1.5% of Northern Ireland’s GDP.
Speaking at the launch the Minister said: “I am delighted to be announcing the launch of this new course at the South West College as it underlines what can be achieved when industry and academia work together and I would encourage more industries to work with their local FE Colleges to create tailored training programmes specific to their future needs.
“It is often the case that many young people leave our education system with excellent qualifications but little practical experience or knowledge. This initiative by the College and the Quarry Products Association is to be highly commended as it provides our young people with identified training needs and the opportunity to gain the first hand experience required that will benefit them in gaining employment and succeeding in the workplace.”
QPANI Regional Director, Gordon Best said:
“The industry has identified a need for suitably qualified and trained Technical & Management personnel at all levels within Northern Ireland, where positions are continually becoming available within concrete production, building products manufacture and the road-building industry.
“As a means of addressing the ever-increasing skills shortages, a number of the QPA’s member Companies have created opportunities for candidates to enter a National Diploma Training Programme. Funding and support is provided by each company to for students to complete the course and a full-time post is available to all candidates at the end of two year programme.
Commenting on the launch, Victor Refaussé, Director of South West College said:
“We are delighted to have the support of the Minister and his Department for our innovative work with the QPANI. One of the biggest challenges facing any student is securing meaningful employment in the area of which you are interested in and have studied for. This course offers its applicants the opportunity to study and work, to gain the qualifications and the experience to ensure that they will secure employment and prosper in the workforce upon graduation. It is encouraging and very complimentary to see that the local Extractives industry is willing to make this level of investment in our students and to give the College this commitment.”
This course is provided with the support of Proskills sector skills council who represent the building products and extractives industry. Sponsoring Companies include Cemex Ltd, Northstone Ltd, Acheson & Glover Ltd, John McQuillan Ltd, Whitemountain Quarries, Creagh Concrete Products Ltd, P. Clarke & Co. Ltd and the Quinn Group. Support for this new course development was provided under the ‘Lecturers into Industry’ scheme and the HE-FE Connected programme. Further work is on-going on the development of new higher level curriculum in this area in conjunction with the University of Ulster.
[Photograph: Councilor Ian McCrea Chairman of Cookstown District Council, Victor Refausse Director of South West College, Sir Reg Empey MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning, Mr Johnny McQuillan, Chairman QPANI, Gordon Best Regional Director QPANI]
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