After completing his GCSEs, Ekin felt that he wanted to pursue a trade as his next step, as he preferred more hands-on learning as opposed to classroom learning. He attended an open evening at the college’s Lisburn Campus in order to learn more about alternative education pathways. At the open evening, he spoke with tutors about electrical installation and left inspired to pursue the trade by studying at SERC.
Talking about his journey on the Electrical Installation Traineeship, Ekin said, “I found it really beneficial in preparing me for the course I’m on now”, Ekin says; “The traineeship gave me a really strong introduction to the basics of electrical installation, offering up a really solid foundation from which to move into the apprenticeship. As part of the traineeship, I worked hard to find a work placement with a domestic electrical company. This gave me invaluable domestic experience – in fact, I still put things into practice today that I learned on site back then. It also gave me my first real insight into what it’s like working on-site and being part of a team. It helped me build the skills and confidence I needed to make the transition to the apprenticeship.”
“The tutors at the college have strong industry experience and are incredibly supportive, so you’re learning from people who know what the job is like and they’re on hand to guide and encourage you whenever you need it. The facilities are also excellent and set up to reflect real working environments – it was quite the change from a secondary school classroom when I started my traineeship!”
Ekin is now studying on the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Electrical Installation; “What I’ve enjoyed most about the apprenticeship is how it balances learning with real on-the-job experience. As an apprentice, you’re only in college one day a week, which means that you’re able to spend the rest of the time gaining hands-on experience with an employer while still building your knowledge at college.
“On our days on campus, we split our time between the classroom and the workshop. Half the day is focused on theory, where we learn about health and safety, environmental technologies, electrical science principles, and terminations and connections. The other half is spent in the workshop putting that theory into practice. Recently, we’ve been focusing on domestic wiring, working on installing sockets and lighting circuits. This includes measuring, cutting, and wiring cables correctly, as well as making sure everything is connected safely and meets regulations. The mix of theory and practical really helps everything ‘click’, because you’re not just learning information, you’re actually doing the work.
“I’m employed by TG Electrical & Engineering Ltd, which was actually established by a former apprentice from SERC! It’s great to be learning from someone who has been through the same pathway as me; they understand exactly what’s involved in the apprenticeship and the skills needed to succeed. In my role as a first-year apprentice, I’m getting a broad range of experience across domestic, commercial, and industrial work. I really enjoy this as it means I’m involved in different types of installations and environments, helping me build a well-rounded skillset and network early on in my career.”
Ekin concludes, “I would recommend SERC to anyone considering further or higher education. My own experience has shown me that everyone learns differently; the traditional academic route isn’t for everyone, and that’s more than ok! The more practical, hands-on approach to learning has made a big difference to my confidence, ambition and motivation. I have described it as having gone from ‘surviving to thriving’. Overall, SERC has been a great pathway into a trade and sets you up with the skills and experience you need for a bright future as a tradesperson.”
Apply now for courses commencing September 2026. Come along to our Full-Time and Part-Time Open Evening on Thursday 4 June 2026 at our Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses from 5pm - 8pm.
