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SERC Story

INSPIRING. TRANSFORMING. ENRICHING.

We would like to share our story with you. It is a story which you are a part of, because it is the community which makes South Eastern Regional College (SERC) what it is. Our story is your story.

As you read our story you will find out about the people behind SERC, staff, students and business partners, and see how we intend to meet the challenges ahead.

 

Whilst the economy faces an uncertain future one thing remains clear, skills are the main driver for economic success, and the Further Education (FE) Colleges of Northern Ireland, as the main skills providers, are instrumental to the solution.

 

In an environment where public spending is under pressure the focus must be on investing in the areas which are fundamental to the growth of our economy, and for the social cohesion of our communities.

  

South Eastern Regional College, as an FE College, is a primary delivery arm for government to ensure that the NI workforce has the skills to build a successful economy.

 

And how will this be achieved?

To read the full SERC Story click here  

College Strategic and Business Plan 

 

To read the College Strategic and Business Plan click here

OUR HISTORY

We have our origins in the rich history of technical education, introduced in the early 20th century. The technical schools of this time were designed to respond to the needs of the local community. Courses were vocational or technical including science, art and technology.


 

SERC has been driven by pioneers of education such as Cecil Webb. These entrepreneurs and innovators set us on course and we have done them proud.Over 100 years we have helped thousands to join the workforce and build the NI economy. 

 

Over the last 3 years alone SERC has progressed 14,125 people within the local workforce to a level 2 qualification and 9,423 to level 3 to 7, both representing 16% of the total working population in the South Eastern region.  Can you imagine how many local people have attended courses with us over the last 100 years?

Our Present

 

We have stayed true to our roots and remain the lifeblood of the local community and economy, and in doing so have become a top 30 UK College.

 

We have built our reputation as a trusted and respected part of our local community by delivering an industry focused curriculum. Whilst we have been better known for providing training courses we have become renowned as an innovative partner for companies seeking to improve productivity and develop new markets or products. Services such as product prototyping and
business improvement consultancy help companies, large and small, to achieve their ambitions. We work with BT, Bombardier Aerospace, Nitronica, Canyon Europe, Red Raven and Coca Cola to name but a few.

 

We are also expanding partnerships with schools to enhance their curriculum and ensure that all school children have access to vocational education. We work with 36 secondary and grammar schools and are building on this along with primary schools.

 

Our Future

 

Whilst we are a top 30 UK College our vision is to become a top 20 global college by 2020.  We believe that since the businesses and individuals we work with have to compete globally then so do we!

 

Our Twenty by 20 vision has clearly defined goals including:

 

Helping people to overcome educational disadvantage

 

Developing a hub for Science and Technology capabilities


Professionalising the workforce


Encouraging Innovation, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship


Supporting and Developing Careers