South West College has been identified as the institution with the highest level of employer involvement in Higher Level Apprenticeships across Northern Ireland. The finding comes from a new analysis published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, titled "Employer Participation in Higher Level Apprenticeships across Northern Ireland 2025."

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald commended the collaborative efforts of employers and education providers in delivering work-based learning through the programme. Higher Level Apprenticeships enable participants to earn a recognised higher education qualification while gaining advanced skills on the job, supporting both career advancement and the needs of businesses.

According to the data, South West College engaged with 285 unique businesses, representing 28 per cent of all employers participating in the initiative. The college's reach extends strongly across Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh, covering a range of industries. Key sectors supported include computing, advanced manufacturing, construction and accounting.

Noreen McGirr, head of apprenticeships at the college, stated that the institution is leading the region's delivery of these apprenticeships. She emphasised that close partnerships with employers ensure apprentices acquire practical, industry-relevant skills while helping businesses build a future-ready workforce. She attributed the growth in participation to collaboration between the college, industry and learners, reinforcing a commitment to regional skills development, innovation and economic prosperity.

South West College, together with Southern Regional College and Ulster University, accounts for more than half of all employer engagement in Higher Level Apprenticeships. The programme is seen as vital for driving economic growth and addressing regional skills needs across Northern Ireland.