The air of anticipation at Waterford Institute of Technology among its students of architectural technology is palpable. The college has applied to the National Council for Educational Awards for degree status.
A number of third-year students would love to carry on to degree level. They're keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that the college is successful. But, as one third-year student, Patrick Ring, says "we can't hold our breath".
There are currently 180 students studying architectural technology at WIT. The construction industry is booming and those who graduate with a diploma are in big demand, according to Con Casey, head of the college's Building Technology department. "Employers can't get enough of them," he says.
The college currently has a two-year certificate course in architectural technology, followed by a one-year diploma course. Casey is confident that the college's application for a three-year ab initio course will be successful. "We are very optimistic," he says. The college is also hoping that it will be granted degree status in the subject.
In the meantime, employers are ready to snap up any students, in particular those who have completed the diploma course. On completion of the certificate course, students who don't get a merit in their exams, must complete nine months' work experience before they can carry on. "A high proportion come back to do the diploma," says Casey. For those who go into the workplace at certificate level, the temptation to remain in full-time employment is great but, he says, most of the students do decide to return to college to carry on. "Most of them see the value of getting a diploma," says David Smyth, the course leader. "Nearly all of them return. When they work for a company, they see the importance of continuing."
For students who are starting out, Smyth says, it's a bonus if they are interested in their environment, in buildings and their surroundings, such as the town or village they live in. "It's a great advantage if they have an awareness." Also, he says, it's useful if they've done subjects at school such as technical studies, construction studies and technical drawing but this is not a prerequisite. "It would also be useful for people to have an interest in art. Entry to the course is a pass Leaving Certificate. Last year's final cut-off was at 325 points. Architectural technology is "a curious mix of art and technical subjects", Smyth explains.
"Today, most of the students do their work on computers. That's probably the biggest change in the last five years," Smyth explains. This year's bumper first year intake was 90 students. There are 50 in second year and 40 in third year. Such is the relevance and popularity of the course, WIT attracts students from all over the country.
One of the most popular feature's of the WIT programme is the yearly field trip abroad - last year, second and third-year students went to Lisbon, Portugal. This year they went to Glasgow, the European City of Architecture 1999. In the past they've been to cities such as Barcelona and Paris. "It's a huge educational factor," says Smyth. "For a lot of the students it's their first time abroad."
Keith Pethe, a mature student from Waterford, is in first year. Following a bad accident and a number of years in the restaurant trade, he has changed career and he's delighted with the new direction his life has taken. "It was something that was on my mind for quite a while," he says about the subject. "It's the best thing I've ever done. I haven't one regret about changing over. The course is exactly what I wanted to do." What he loves about the course is "the fact that it's demanded that you work hard throughout the year".
Paddy Byrne, a third-year students from Kilkea Upper in Co Kildare, says he's been on "a constant learning curve", since he started. The course, he says, "is very enjoyable". He likes the graphics side best of all because "you can use your own imagination". The hard work continues. Coming up to the finals, third year "is taking its toll", he says. His third-year project has to be in by Friday, May 5th. He is designing a nature centre in a fjord in Norway.
Patrick King, from Adamstown, Co Wexford, who is in third year, always wanted to do architecture. The course has continued to keep him motivated, he says. His plans for the future depend on whether or not the college is granted degree status. If it's not, he wants to transfer to Cantebury, England, where WIT has a link scheme.
