We mean Business
Following the successes of the former North West Institute and Limavady College, the newly merged North West Regional College has enjoyed a long tradition of responding to the educational and training needs of its communities, and is now well-placed to provide leadership and support to the region as it responds to the current economic climate.
The College is committed to adopting a responsive approach in assisting those who now find their business or livelihoods threatened by the downturn. In taking on the role as lead partner on a number of learning and skills initiatives, it is consolidating and expanding relationships with local agencies, businesses and organisations to meet the increasing need for skills training and learning development for those affected.
Further evidence of the its support to local industry, particularly SMEs, can be found through its work in the Electronics, Production and Innovation Centre (EPICentre), established to assist the development and deployment of technology within the region. The College's Sustainable Technologies Centre is another fine example of direct support to SME's.
Working with the local Chambers of Commerce to develop and deliver specialised training, and collaboration with the Workforce Development Forum to address the current economic downturn through skills development, are further evidence of ongoing partnerships. Between February and June, the College is running a series of Masterclasses covering key topics including Public Relations and Marketing, People Management, Innovation and Research and Development, and Customer Service.
North West Regional College's twelve new academic schools have established employer liaison forums, featuring representatives of the sector skills councils, to develop college provision in line with current industry needs, and determine future requirements.
It holds Centre of Excellence status for three of its curriculum areas in Construction & the Built Environment, Software Engineering and Journalism. This recognition involves greater cooperation between the College and local industry, and reinforces the quality of course provision and the level of teaching on offer.
One ongoing successful Industry and College collaboration is the Level 5 Diploma in Professional Software Development. This Postgraduate programme was developed for unemployed graduates of non-IT disciplines specifically to meet local industry needs. In October last, Sir Reg Empey, Employment and Learning Minister, visited the College to meet students on the course, which provides the skills needed to work in software development roles locally. Nearly 20 Northern Ireland businesses have signed up to interview course graduates, including local firms and large multinationals. Students on the 35 week conversion course receive £120 per week Training Allowance, and have the opportunity to earn bonuses depending on performance in exams and assignments.
During the year, the College also announced details of a new Gas Apprenticeship programme, developed in partnership with local employers in the North West. The modern apprenticeship provides a recognised qualification and experience in preparation for employment in this growing industry.
While engaging with employers is a key priority, the College is also committed to supporting those individuals who have been made redundant. It has developed a portfolio of stepping-stone courses to enable those, now out of work, to improve their essential skills, gain recognised Social Care, Computing or Business qualifications, and prepare for higher level study in their efforts to re-enter employment.
For North West Regional College, and the region, the future holds many challenges and opportunities, but some elements remain constant, including the College's commitment to excellence, as a forward-looking institution making a proactive, positive contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of the whole community.
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