Jonathan completed his GCSEs at The High School Ballynahinch, before progressing to a Skills for Life and Work course at SERC’s Newtownards Campus. Jonathan says: “I attended a college open evening to see what the facilities were like, and I was impressed with what I saw. Newtownards is familiar to me and the campus was conveniently located for me to commute from home.”
After completion of the Skills for Life and Work course, Jonathan decided to stay on at SERC and applied for the Level 2 Traineeship in Carpentry and Joinery. Traineeships offer students a good mix of theory and practical work, equipping them well for the industry.
Jonathan said: “I enjoyed practicing the trade and developing new skills- it’s great to have the opportunity to try new machinery.” He continued: “The Carpentry and Joinery Traineeship at SERC gives students the opportunity to learn onsite as part of a placement as well as spend time at college in the workshop, learning how to build things. If you enjoy practical, hands-on subjects, it’s a great opportunity. I learnt how to make stud walls, hang a door and even make a 8 x 9-foot garden shed! I have also learnt about health and safety and best practices. All the things I learnt in SERC really helped me on my placement with Comber Building Services. Overall, the traineeship gave me valuable experiences and taught me how to use tools and develop the basic skills of the trade.”
After completing his traineeship, Jonathan enrolled on the Level 3 Apprenticeship at the college; “Like the traineeship there’s a practical side of the course, but the work is on a larger scale and more detailed – we are currently making new stud walls and bays for the fire and security workshop at the college’s Newtownards Campus. You learn how to use a tape measure for marking and cutting material, and how to use various power tools that a joiner or carpenter would need. You also learn how to fit skirting, set flooring, install roofs and panelling, hang doors, and learn how to make staircases too. Having the skills that I developed studying the traineeship has really helped me during the apprenticeship – I feel like I’ve gotten a head start on everything.”
Jonathan is currently working as an apprentice for Colin Boyce, a joiner based in Ballygowan. “On site I’m involved in jobs mostly relating to houses, like house extensions and helping to build the interiors of houses. Since working with my employer, I’ve gained plenty of practical experience in areas involving skirting, studs, wall panels and I’ll be starting to work on a roof soon.”
He concludes, “I have enjoyed going to SERC; I have made good friends, and I have learned a lot over the years. My plan after my apprenticeship is to hopefully become a full-time qualified joiner and carpenter and make a good living, doing the trade I’ve enjoyed getting better and better at throughout my time at SERC."
Applications for full-time courses are now open online. 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.
