The winter graduation of students from South West College has been told of ways in which they could capitalise on potential enterprise and innovation opportunities.

The Minister for the Department for Employment and Learning, Dr. Stephen Farry, one of the keynote speakers at the ceremony held in Omagh Leisure Centre, stated; “I congratulate the graduates on their achievements today and wish them all the best for their future careers. The skills and qualifications you have gained during your time at South West College are key to growing our local economy.

“Our further education regional colleges play a vital role in equipping students with the higher level skills that Northern Ireland needs to compete globally. I commend the college’s close collaboration with business networks, councils, employers and employer organisations. The college has responded to the requirements of its local employers, becoming a hub of support and expertise for local businesses. South West College has, in particular, demonstrated a strong focus on the delivery of my Department’s priority skills and specifically Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. These STEM skills will be increasingly important to our economic future.” Another guest speaker was entrepreneur Miriam Byrne, Managing Director of City Analyst who captivated the audience with her personal entrepreneurial journey and conveyed that prosperity and jobs can be secured by giving young people the support and confidence to explore their own potential.

Miriam, whose company is a market leader in Cryptosporidium Screening, said: “It can be a very exciting time for the South West is forward-thinking entrepreneurs step up to the challenge and the College continues to play an active role in providing the platform for its graduates to blossom. In life, it is extremely important that you graduates are absolutely passionate about your career and enthusiastic about your mission.

“Over the past decade, we have watched a growing cluster of successful, home-grown companies develop from humble beginnings to successfully compete with and claim a place amongst the best in the world. Most importantly, during the current economic challenges, the true entrepreneurial spirit of the people of this region must shine through. I would encourage each and every one of you to try to be the best you can be, invest in yourself through personal development and, if you develop a robust approach, the opportunities will follow.” Degrees, Foundation Degrees and other professional qualifications were awarded to graduates of the South West College campuses in Cookstown, Dungannon, Enniskillen and Omagh. Students enrolled on 25 courses, accredited by the University of Ulster and/or Queen’s University Belfast, were honoured.

Malachy McAleer, Director of South West College, said: “Graduation day is always a wonderful occasion for students, their families and academic staff. It is a chance to celebrate hard work and achievement and to look forward to new opportunities and future careers. It is particularly pleasing to welcome back high calibre speakers to share their experiences and insight on how students can achieve beyond graduation.

“It is important that we continue to challenge our students to set their sights high and support them in their pursuit of excellence. We have invested significantly across Fermanagh and Tyrone to ensure people have access to the very best learning and career opportunities. We are not just preparing people for work, but helping them raise their life ambitions and chances of success. South West College is now a quality provider of outstanding Higher Education.” For more updates, photographs and debate follow The Impartial Reporter on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/impartialreporter And on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/impartialrep