After being in the world of work for many years, David decided he wanted a change of career and decided to return to education. He says, “I attended the college’s Newtownards campus for an interview, and it was during that visit that I really got a good feeling about the place. From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming and genuine. I felt comfortable straight away. I also liked that SERC offered flexible routes into education, including part-time study, which worked for where I was in life. Something just clicked that day – it felt right; that first impression stayed with me and made my decision to study at the college very easy.”
“Looking back now, I can see just how well the course prepared me for the world of social work and its higher-level studies. The modules aligned really well with my current Queen’s University Belfast Social Work degree and gave me a strong foundation of subject knowledge. The topics on the course were varied covering sociology, social policy, community work, professional ethics and an introduction to working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to name just a few. I currently work part-time as a Residential Support Worker alongside my university studies, and what I learned at SERC has also really helped me in my job, giving me a better understanding of the people I support, and helping me feel more comfortable and competent in how I communicate with and support people day to day. SERC helped me connect everything together – my work experience, my university learning and my own life experience. It all fits and I’m grateful for that.
“What meant the most to me was the encouragement I received while at the college. As a mature student, I doubted myself. It was my lecturer, Jenni, who encouraged me to apply to university and helped me see that my life experience was a strength, not a disadvantage. The careers team at SERC were also incredibly supportive. They helped me with my UCAS application, personal statement and interview preparation. We practised interviews in real-life situations, and the encouragement I received gave me real confidence. Without that support, I honestly don’t think I would be where I am now.
“I would recommend SERC to anyone without hesitation. It’s not only for people aiming for academic qualifications – SERC offers full-time and part-time courses, short courses, hobbies, evening classes and language courses. Whether you’re coming straight from school, changing direction in life, returning after a break, or simply wanting to learn something new, SERC is a place where you’ll be supported and encouraged to thrive. I think the biggest compliment I can give SERC is this: I’m a father of two teenage boys and my eldest is now a student at SERC, after I recommended the college to him.”
He concludes, “SERC believed in me at a time when I struggled to believe in myself. The staff saw potential in me that I couldn’t see, and that changed my path. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities my studies have given me. It’s never too late to try something new or take a different path. If I can do it, so can you!”
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.
