We are pleased to announce that commencing in Spring 2019 experienced practitioners in the traditional building skills sector can undertake the NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills (Construction) qualification at the college. This initiative is designed to build capacity in the sector prior to the proposed redevelopment project at the Enniskillen Workhouse.
South West College and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are working in partnership on a National Lottery Heritage Fund project to conserve and repair the Enniskillen Workhouse building. The building is located adjacent to the site of the College’s new Erne Campus. This project has received Round 1 funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling partners to develop plans for the future of the building.
If the Round 2 funding application is successful, the College will be able to deliver accredited heritage skills and education programmes, as part of the project. These programmes will encourage more than 100 local craftspeople and contractors to benefit from accredited training. Twelve built heritage skill apprentice positions will also be created, when the work commences on the building in 2021, subject to funding.
Speaking about the Enniskillen Workhouse Project, Ciaran McManus, Head of Industry and Training at SWC said:
“The building is currently in a dilapidated state. However, plans are progressing to conserve the building over two floors to provide heritage interpretation space, in addition to open office space to facilitate business innovation.”
“All stakeholders involved in this project are committed to implementing a strategic vision of conservation and repair to highlight the historic significance of the building and rejuvenate it for present day needs. We are also dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of heritage skills through our proposals for accredited training and apprenticeships.”
The college is now accepting applications from experienced practitioners from the heritage skills sector who are interested in becoming heritage qualified and registered. The NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills (Construction) includes CSR registration for the Gold Card-Craft, upon successful completion of the qualification. Pathways being offered include stone masonry and wood occupations. Experienced craftspeople will be guided through the qualification at their own pace by tutors at the Technology and Skills Centre.
For further details please contact Emma McGarrity, Heritage Skills Programme Development Officer, South West College, tel: 028 8225 0109 ext: 2304 or via email: emma.mcgarrity@swc.ac.uk