Higher Level Apprentice in Health and Social Care student Rebecca Blair, (27) from Bangor, recently received a promotion after completing a course at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and is now strengthening her skills even further while continuing to study at the college.
Rebecca was working as a team leader at Blair Lodge Residential Home in Bangor before she started studying at SERC. Through her role, she was given the opportunity to study the Health and Social Care - Work Based Apprenticeship (Level 3), which marked the beginning of her professional development journey with the college. After successfully completing her Level 3 qualification, Rebecca was promoted to deputy manager at Blair Lodge. She is now continuing to build on her skills and experience by undertaking a Higher-Level Apprenticeship.
On her apprenticeship, Rebecca comments, “What I enjoy the most about my course is the hands-on learning while at work and the supportive environment created by my tutors. The practical skills I learn on the course really helps me in real-world scenarios within my workplace. The experience is both engaging and rewarding, and so far, we have covered topics such as professional development, safeguarding and protection, and understanding leadership and management.
“One of the things I’d really like to highlight is the incredible support I’ve received from my tutors throughout my time at SERC. They’ve consistently pushed me to succeed and believed in me, even when I doubted myself. I genuinely never thought I would pass my Maths or English, but thanks to their encouragement and guidance, I did and it’s such a rewarding feeling.”
“I am employed by Blair Lodge, which is a residential home for adults with learning disabilities. After completing my Higher-Level Apprenticeship, I plan to remain in my current role as deputy manager. I feel that the course will be incredibly valuable in helping me gain the right knowledge and understanding to carry out my duties more effectively. It’s been reassuring to learn that the skills and theory I’m learning directly supports the responsibilities I already have in my job. While I’m not planning a major career change at the moment, I’m glad that the course is helping me grow professionally and giving me the confidence to continue developing within my position. I’m learning as I go, and I feel more equipped to handle challenges and lead with greater insight.
“To anyone thinking about coming to SERC or doing the course I did, I’d say, don’t be afraid to go back and study. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In fact, I actively encourage my staff team to pursue their studies at SERC, and many are currently completing their own courses at the college. I often promote SERC during staff meetings and supervisions because I genuinely believe in the quality of education and support they provide.”
Rebecca concludes, “The course has helped me in so many ways. If you’re thinking about studying at SERC, go for it!”
Would-be apprentices and employers are invited to SERC during NI Apprenticeship Week, 2 – 6 February 2026, for a packed schedule of activities including 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).
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.
