Would-be apprentices and employers are invited to South Eastern Regional College (SERC) during NI Apprenticeship Week, 2 – 6 February 2025, 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.”
During the week, SERC will be posting features on apprentices from a range of levels and subject on socials including:
(Main Picture) Luke Kinnear (18), from Hillsborough, who is completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Civil Engineering and is employed by Charles Brand. He said, “I am in college one day a week and it is different from school. It is a bit more relaxed, but at the same time, you are responsible for keeping up with assignments. What I am learning in college, I can apply in the workplace and what I am learning out on site, I am able to bring back to the class.”
Luke added “When you are an apprentice, you are employed, so that comes with everything you would expect when you go to work - time keeping, being professional and teamwork. I think the apprenticeship route is the best way to go, and getting paid certainly helps when it comes to paying for things, like a car.”
(Inset picture) Megan Pinney (26), from Ballynahinch, is completing a Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing and is employed by A. Burns Plumbing & Heating. She said, “My favourite part of my apprenticeship is the practical side. I love connecting all the pipes up and testing it and finding no leaks – it's really satisfying to see something you have made, work well. The theory helps you do better practical work. You learn all about the different kinds of equipment and tools you need and how to use them; how to install and maintain pipework, central heating, and sanitary systems, as well as all the relevant health and safety and principles so that your work meets relevant codes.”
Aisling Hyndman (19), from Belfast, went to university for a year but changed direction. She is now completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship NÍ in Civil Engineering with SERC and is employed by the Department for Infrastructure. She said, “Doing the apprenticeship and coming to SERC one day a week has been good. Obviously it is totally different from university - I don’t regret going for the year as it was still all experience for me – but I am enjoying the mix of work, being in the office and out on site, and then having the day in college for all the theory. The class is small and the tutors are great.”
She added, “University is good, but you are coming out with debt, and even now if I had a choice between going to university to do civil engineering or doing the apprenticeship route, I would choose the latter.”
Visit serc.ac.uk/events for details of NI Apprenticeship Week activities at SERC.
