Gary Ritchie, Deputy Principal Curriculum at SERC said, “It is vitally important for both young people and their parents or guardians to have a good understanding of all the courses and learning opportunities available, in advance of results, so they are prepared to make informed choices relatively quickly. Having all the information to hand can help alleviate the stress around what can be a daunting and anxious time for young people and their parents who are making decisions about next steps after leaving school.
“If you're exploring your options after A-Levels, SERC provides higher education qualifications including foundation degrees and degrees. We run courses validated by Liverpool John Moores University, The Open University, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. You can also study for a Higher National Certificate or a Higher National Diploma or follow the Higher-Level Apprenticeship route.”
Higher Education enrolment days are on Thursday 13 August 2026, 9am–5pm and Friday 14 August 2026, 9am–3pm at SERC’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses.
He added, “And if you’re looking for the right path after GCSEs, SERC delivers further education courses across a wide variety of subjects and includes vocational training and essential skills. You can also pursue a traineeship or earn while you learn on an apprenticeship.”
Further Education, Traineeship NI and Apprenticeship enrolment days take place on Thursday 20 August 2026, 9am–5pm and Friday 21 August 2026, 9am–3pm.
He continued, “SERC offers real learning for real life. Applications are still open, and places are still available on some courses. It’s not too late to choose your path to the career you want with qualifications in a range of subjects from animal care to business, from cyber security to engineering, from healthcare to travel and tourism, art and design to beauty therapy, electrical installation to professional cookery, performing arts to computing or from sport to science. Subjects available depend on campus and level of study.
Gary concluded, “If you’re looking for guidance on your next steps, SERC’s impartial careers advisors are here to help you. Simply email careers@serc.ac.uk for an appointment prior to enrolment days, indicating which campus you would like to attend. The service is free.”
The careers team will also be available at SERC’s campuses on a drop-in, first come-first served basis on Thursday 13 August and Friday 14 August 2026 for Higher Education enrolment; and again on Thursday 20 August and Friday 21 August 2026 following GCSE results for Further Education, Traineeship NI and Apprenticeship enrolment.
Visit www.serc.ac.uk Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.
