Danan Small (26), from Downpatrick progressed to SERC from Knockevin Special School. After completing Foundation Learning, and Skills for Life and Work courses, he successfully completed a Level 2 Traineeship in Animal Care and is now doing a Level 3 in Animal Management.
Speaking about the TraineeshipNI in Animal Care course he said, “I loved the course and especially getting into the Animal House in Downpatrick Campus, where some of the animals we learn about live. Any opportunity to be in the Animal House, I was there. It was a brilliant foundation for the Level 3 in Animal Management."
Danan, who had dogs, cats, snakes and rabbits throughout his childhood readily admits he is obsessed with animals. The young man secured a placement with Ark Community Farm Shop in Newcastle when he was completing his Traineeship and is still there. He said, “They keep hens, ducks, and sheep and my role is looking after the animals when I am there, feeding them, cleaning out the pens and making sure they don’t get up to any mischief. I go there every Thursday from 10am until 2pm. Everyone who works there is lovely, and it is good craic."
Danan who is now on the Level 3 in Animal Management said, ”When I finish my course, I really want to work with exotic animals such as reptiles. I just love reptiles – they are so cool. Though I am keeping my options open.”
Danan said, “I would recommend coming to the college. It was a big change coming from Knockevin Special School – the whole atmosphere is different. At SERC I feel I can be myself - I am not stuck to the whole ‘special needs autistic kid’ dynamic. Here I am treated like a person, not a child that doesn’t know anything.”
He added, “The lecturers are great, they all make learning fun and explain things, so it is easy to understand if you are stuck on anything. I would recommend coming to SERC to do the Animal Care and Management courses if you’re interested in animals.”
Come along to our Full-time Open Evening, 4pm - 7pm on Thursday 5 March, at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses. Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.
