David Stacey (25) from Newcastle, came to SERC from Beechlawn School in Royal Hillsborough, and is well on his way to achieving a Level 3 in Information Technology (IT).
Commencing on the Foundation Learning course, David progressed to Skills for Life and Work before completing the Level 2 Traineeship in IT.
David had completed some short courses in IT as part of his other courses, but the Level 2 Traineeship was his first main course which focussed on Computing. As part of the Traineeship, he completed his placement at SERC, where the class explored different business scenarios. He was also involved in a project designed to help people gain computing skills through the development of games, which included tasks such as navigating through a maze to replicate finding your way around a website.
David said “The Traineeship in IT was very good and the tutors were all very helpful. If you had any issues you just had to ask.”
He continued, “I have enjoyed progressing on from subjects I did on the Level 2 course and getting to grips with the new subjects. I found the Level 2 gave me a good foundation for the Level 3 and I could hit the ground running. My favourite part has been web development- it is something I might like to progress – I am keeping my options open, as I have a particular interest in creative writing and this course is giving me skills to take forward. I love playing D & D (Dungeons and Dragons) with my friends and I like to write back stories for characters, and right now I am focussing on my own story.”
Speaking about coming to SERC David said, “If I was to go back to my school and give a talk about coming to the college, I would recommend taking the route that I took – Foundation Learning, Skills for Life and Work and then the Traineeship before progressing to a Level 3 programme.
“College is very different from school, but it didn’t take too long to settle in as I had a friend here already, and who introduced me to some of his friends, and then I also met some new people through the different courses.”
David concluded, “I also got the opportunity to do my Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at SERC. It was a challenge, but I am glad that I did it.”
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.
