Would-be apprentices and employers are invited to South Eastern Regional College (SERC) during NI Apprenticeship Week, 2 – 6 February 2026, for a packed schedule of activities and information.
Led by the Department for the Economy (DfE) NI Apprenticeship Week, now in its sixth year, showcases what you can do and how to get started with an apprenticeship.
Victoria Boyd, Head of Training Programmes & Apprenticeships at SERC said, “Our Apprentices - Have a Go Sessions - from 4.30 – 7.00pm on Tuesday 3 February (Bangor and Newtownards Campuses) and Thursday 5 February (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses) - will include visits to workshops to see the facilities and to gather information about the range of Apprenticeship (Levels 2 and 3) and Higher-Level Apprenticeships offered.
“Would-be apprentices of all ages will have the opportunity to learn more about available opportunities in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, air conditioning, fire and security, wall and floor tiling, professional cookery, land-based engineering, health and social care, motor vehicle, construction, engineering, electrical, plumbing, plastering and leadership for children’s care. “As particular apprenticeships run from different SERC Campuses, visitors are invited to check the events listings for the Have a Go Sessions on our website in advance of their visit.”
Visitors at our Newtownards Campus on Tuesday 3 February will also be able to drop into our new state-of-the-art Fire and Security training facilities, to meet potential employers offering apprenticeships in this growth area.
The college will also be hosting two invitation-only events at SERC’s Lisburn Campus through local schools and employers to highlight engineering apprenticeships; and engaging with employers for the design of a new Motor Vehicle HLA and automotive engineering programme to ensure they meet local demand.
Victoria added, “SERC currently have 1,450 Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices and 260 Higher Level apprentices completing their qualifications. “Apprentices are employed from the start and earn whilst they learn, so there is no debt or student loan to pay off at the end of the apprenticeship. They work alongside experienced staff in the workplace and build on their skills and experience each and every day, spending up to four days in the workplace and one day in college for study related to their apprenticeship. SERC also offer a range of work-based apprenticeships where learners’ study without coming to college. Our trainer assessors deliver these programmes within the workplace, one-to-one or in small groups.”
Starting on Friday 30 January and throughout NI Apprenticeship Week, SERC will be posting features on apprentices from a range of levels and subjects on our website and socials.
Visit serc.ac.uk/events for details of NI Apprenticeship Week activities at SERC.
