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Innovative new course for Northern Ireland students

PROSPECTIVE students at Northern Ireland’s South West College now have an opportunity to enrol in an innovative new course that has been developed in co-operation with leading companies through the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI), providing the students with necessary practical experience as well as academic qualifications.

The Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering with Extractives was launched last week by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey. The Diploma consists of a two-year full-time course split between a BTEC National Award in Construction and a Level 3 Certificate in Civil Engineering with Extractives.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: ‘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 QPANI is to be highly commended, as it provides our young people with identified training needs and the opportunity to gain first-hand experience 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 and 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 for students to complete the course and a full-time post is available to all candidates at the end of the two-year programme.

‘This qualification will enable candidates to become specialists in many fields, including minerals extraction, materials processing, mechanical and electrical systems, product development, civil engineering and business management,’ said Mr Best.

The course is being provided with the support of Proskills, the sector skills council which represents 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.

For further information on the Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering with Extractives course, contact QPANI on tel: (028) 9082 4078.

 

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