Taking the step to leave your job and retrain in a different area is a big decision due to employment prospects and financial implications. For Annahilt local Judy Graham this was reality when she decided to take a year out of her job and study a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at South Eastern Regional College (SERC).
Judy previously worked for 18 years as a researcher, a career she thoroughly enjoyed and succeeded in, however she had reached a stage that she felt she needed a change in direction to reinvigorate her life. It was at this point she decided to take a year out from her job and retrain in arts and crafts, an area she was passionate about and something she really wanted to do.
It was during her studies at the College that Judy realised her skills and flair for design and started to make textile jewellery and accessories. Judy now aims to successfully complete her course at the College and hopefully set up her own company selling a range of textile accessories including felt bracelets, hair bands and brooches. With a further twist to her design and with a background of researching local history she aims to incorporate local history into her designs, with the main material used in her products being linen to represent the origins of the material in the history of Lisburn.
Judy had this to say about her time studying at the College; “I’m absolutely having a ball, it is the most fun I have had in a long time. Having worked in my previous job for so long this has really rejuvenated me. I am really excited about my future; it will be interesting to see what is in store.”
For more information about the range of full-time courses on offer at SERC visit www.serc.ac.uk.