Rugby player, Jake Reid, from Seskinore in County Tyrone made the decision to study higher education at South West College, where he successfully completed the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering at the Omagh campus as a Higher-Level Apprentice working with MetStructures, Fintona.
After finishing his A-Levels at Omagh Academy, Jake was unsure about his future path. He applied to university and was accepted, but his love for hands-on learning led him to pursue a Civil Engineering Higher-Level Apprenticeship programme at the South West College Omagh Campus.
He said: “During my A-Levels I didn’t know what I wanted to do career wise, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to university but applied for it anyway; I was accepted and got the grades for university. However, I have always loved the practical side of learning and knew I was a more hands-on learner than just reading it from a book, so when I became aware of the Higher-Level Apprenticeship programme available at South West College, I immediately knew it was the course for me.”
The HLA programme would allow Jake to study to foundation degree level, while working and earning a wage. Another key factor in Jake's decision was the opportunity to study close to home, allowing him to balance his passion for sports, particularly rugby, with his academic pursuits. Being surrounded by friends who were also pursuing higher education locally added to the appeal.
Jake who plays rugby for Omagh Academicals said: “From a young age I’ve always been passionate about sports, between rugby or football I was always playing some sort of sport. So, I’d say this was a factor in studying close to home, due to the fact lots of my friends were doing the same.”
This allowed him to study, work and play sports while earning his foundation degree. Throughout his apprenticeship, Jake received mentorship from knowledgeable lecturers who not only imparted course material but also offered industry guidance. Working with MetStructures also provided Jake with valuable practical experience in construction.
Jake was also awarded the prestigious Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Quest Technician Scholarship and was awarded a Scholarship of £1,000, in recognition of his outstanding achievements. Jake is currently working towards his professional qualifications and hopes to become a professionally qualified technician with ICE(EngTech TMICE).