Pamela first learned about SERC through her job, she says,” I am a Care Assistant for Beaumont Care Homes. I followed the apprenticeship route at SERC after being encouraged by my manager, so I signed up for the course through my workplace.”
On her course, Pamela comments, “I enjoyed the learning experience and the friendly relationship I built with the tutors at SERC. The course covers a wide range of topics, including, health and wellbeing, understanding patients with dementia, how to treat patients according to their care plan, personal development, person-centred approaches to care, and much more. The tutors were always flexible around my work hours and always there to explain anything that I didn't understand in more detail. They always had time and patience for students and without their help and support, I wouldn't have been able to have all the success I’ve experienced at SERC.”
Pamela has now completed five qualifications at the college and plans on taking her studies even further; “Using my work experience and the qualifications and skills I’ve gained through SERC, my plans are to hopefully go and work for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, as well as enrol on the Level 4 in Health and Social Care at the college to take my expertise even further.”
She concludes, “I would encourage anyone thinking of doing this course to do it. If you are following the apprenticeship route it can be challenging at first balancing work, assignments and social life, but you quickly adjust to the workload. If you are willing to put in the effort to complete the course, you will gain the qualification and all the new knowledge that comes along with it. Overall, I’d recommend SERC, I never thought I would see myself studying at my age, but it is possible if you put the work in and I feel all the better for doing it.”
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.
