Dr. John Moore: The South West College

Wednesday 12 April 2017: Dr John Moore: The South West College

Southwest College
Dr John Moore [Left] with Probus President, John McCandless

The South West College was formed by the amalgamation of the Dungannon, Enniskillen and Omagh Colleges of Further Education and today includes smaller campuses in Cookstown and Strabane.   Within the wider context of the educational sector the College is positioned between Second and Third Level education, giving it a large interface with students from all parts of the community.    In the academic year 2015 – 16 it had an enrolment of 27,000 students and employed 880 Lecturers and Support Staff  in either full-time or part-time capacities.   A rating of  “Outstanding”  by the Department of Education’s Training and Inspectorate, is evidence that it is not only serving its students well but is also spending it annual budget of £45 million wisely.  Since some of this money comes from the EU, the College has understandable concerns about the implications of Brexit.  Dr Moore’s presentation focused on courses available in  the College’s Four Departments, namely Professional Services, Social Sciences, Technology and Training.  He emphasised the importance attached of STEM subjects [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] in meeting the needs of young people and the future needs of the economy.   A series of slides and photographs illustrated the College’s links with countries in Europe, North America and Asia.  His illuminating talk  prompted many questions and earned him a well deserved vote of thanks from Probus President, John McCandless.