A South West College (SWC) student working on the Enniskillen Workhouse restoration project was shortlisted recently as a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the annual Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Construction Excellence Awards 2022.

Kevin Boggs (23), from Strabane, is an apprentice undertaking an NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Skills Construction, specialising in Woodwork Occupation, at the SWC Enniskillen Technology and Skills Centre campus.

He is also training as a Heritage Joiner, specialising in Pre-1919 Repair and Maintenance with Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, and JB Joinery, Magherafelt.

Over the past year, Kevin has gained a wealth of experience, helping to preserve and restore Enniskillen Workhouse, a collaborative heritage restoration project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and SWC.

Major project

This major capital project to create a business enterprise and heritage hub has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with a grant of £2,343,000, made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

Robert Fitzpatrick, Heritage (Construction) Education and Skills Co-ordinator at SWC Enniskillen Campus, who supported Kevin’s nomination, was delighted by Kevin’s success.

He said: “Kevin has displayed a great passion for heritage restoration and progressed at the college from Level 1 to Level 3, completing his NVQ Diploma in Heritage Construction.

“Working on the Enniskillen Workhouse project, and with JB joinery, he has demonstrated his competence in a wide range of heritage skills, and he will be added to the Historic Environment Division Construction Register.

‘Extremely dependable’

“Kevin is extremely self-motivated and dependable; his knowledge and skills will be vital to the heritage construction industry.”

Speaking of his work on the workhouse, Kevin said: “To be involved in restoring such a unique building that is 180 years old, surrounded by experienced craftspeople, using old techniques and gaining accredited qualifications, has been amazing.

“I have gained a wealth of knowledge and traditional building skills that can be shared in the future to the next generation to help preserve and restore buildings for future generations to enjoy.

“I feel privileged that this opportunity was available, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey.”

The Construction Excellence awards, which recognise the achievements of the local construction industry and help publicise the contribution that the industry makes to the economy and society in Northern Ireland, took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on October 6.

For further information about heritage training opportunities, see www.swc.ac.uk, or email robert.fitzpatrick@swc.ac.uk.