GRAHAM's year-long, two-stage schools and colleges programme linked to the £70m Fermanagh Lakeland Forum redevelopment in Enniskillen has engaged 199 students through 22 tailored insight activities, blending classroom learning with on-site experience at a live build.

The initiative, aligned to the new state-of-the-art leisure, health and wellbeing hub, connects education directly to the project that will become Ireland's first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre. Procured via the Major Works Framework managed by Pagabo and delivered on behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the programme is designed to showcase real career pathways and sustainable construction in practice.

Seven local schools and colleges took part: St Fanchea's College, St Kevin's College, St Michael's College, Erne Integrated College, South West College (Enniskillen and Omagh campuses) and Drumragh Integrated College.

Part one brought industry into the classroom. GRAHAM's team delivered interactive sessions explaining the redevelopment's role in the community, introduced a range of construction careers and routes (including apprenticeships and higher education), explored Passivhaus principles, and set a STEM design-and-build task. Students also tackled a Future-Ready Community Space brief, collaborating on inclusive, sustainable concepts linked to the Forum scheme, considering layout, sustainability features, construction roles and community impact.

Part two moved learning on-site. Students toured the live Fermanagh Lakeland Forum development to appreciate its scale and complexity, met the Project Manager and wider team to see how roles integrate on a major project, observed sustainability measures and Passivhaus principles in action, and presented their project ideas to site leadership. South West College highlighted that finalising and delivering presentations on-site mirrored college assignments, boosting confidence and presentation skills.

-- Advertisement --

Real career journeys were central to the experience. Two local apprentices now working on the project—former students of St Michael's College and South West College—shared their pathways into construction and outlined their day-to-day responsibilities, providing relatable, achievable routes into employment for current learners.

Student feedback reflected the breadth of exposure. One student said: "I loved exploring the different jobs that the people in construction do and there is such a wide range of roles in construction that I never knew about. I also loved looking at the drawings of the new Forum, I thought it was really cool." Another added: "Getting to see how everyone within the construction industry has a different role to play whether that is on site or in an office, this has outlined to me that I can work in the industry in either an outdoor or an indoor job."

Educators also praised the impact. "I found the two sessions with GRAHAM useful in helping break down barriers/stereotypes for girls entering the world of construction and engineering. Both of the sessions were useful in helping guide our students into the various careers available with GRAHAM, and it was wonderful to be able to tour the large construction of the new Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen." Educator, St Fanchea's College, Enniskillen

"We would like to thank GRAHAM for their continued commitment to engaging young people in the construction industry. Opportunities like this are invaluable in supporting students' development, fostering local talent, and helping learners build the skills and confidence to thrive in the sector." John Moss, Head of Department for Sustainability, Construction and Transport, South West College

Delivered in partnership with Futures for All and supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the programme demonstrates how collaboration between industry, education providers and local communities can widen access to skills, inspire career pathways and showcase best practice in sustainable delivery.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said: "The Fermanagh Lakeland Forum redevelopment is a significant investment in the future of our district and it is encouraging to see benefits being realised well before the project is complete. Through this innovative programme, local students have gained valuable insight into career opportunities, developed new skills and experienced first-hand the realities of a major construction project.

"Supporting the wellbeing, aspirations and potential of young people is a key objective within the Fermanagh and Omagh 2030 Community Plan. Programmes such as this help strengthen links between education and industry, inspire future career pathways and contribute to building a healthy, inclusive and resilient community."

As construction progresses, the Forum continues to serve not only as a landmark development for the region but also as a live learning environment, equipping young people with skills, confidence and inspiration for future careers in construction and engineering.

Further information is available via the Council's redevelopment page: www.fermanaghomagh.com.