Daniel Mahon (19), from Ballynahinch, progressed to South Eastern Regional College (SERC) from St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan. The young man is currently completing a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Managementfollowing a Level 2 Traineeship in Animal Care.
Daniel said, “The Level 2 in Animal Care was a great foundation for the Level 3 Diploma. I missed out on my GCSE Maths, but I was able to get my essential skills in numeracy as part of the Traineeship course, which meant I was able to progress to the Diploma. I also felt Biology was very helpful for the move up to the next level.
“Coming from school to college was very refreshing. There is a bit more freedom and independence, but at the same time there is responsibility. The tutors will help you if you need support, but they don’t babysit you – you need to put the work in too. There is a bit of juggling with assignments, and you do have to plan when you are going to do the work to meet deadlines. This has been helpful for the move up to Level 3.
“For both courses, I especially love the practical side when we get access to the animal house here at Downpatrick Campus. All the time, you are learning how to handle the animals without injuring them or yourself. It is about keeping yourself and the animals safe. Health and safety are an important part of the course - we are required to wear personal protective equipment, or PPE, so we can avoid zoonotic diseases – these are infectious diseases than can spread between animals and humans, caused by viruses or bacteria, for example. This year, I am enjoying the biology and animal science parts of the course, and again all the time we get to spend in the animal house. It has been a big learning curve but one that I have found very interesting.
“I progressed to the Level 3 with one other student from the Level 2 course but we both soon settled in and it is a great class. Everyone is friendly and they are a nice bunch.”
Daniel was recognised at the SERC Student Excellence Awards recently when he was nominated for FE Student of the Year and won the Boden Cup for Entrepreneur of the Year, both for Downpatrick Campus.
Speaking about gaining experience through placements, Daniel said, “I secured a placement with Castle Vets during my Traineeship, and although I really enjoyed the experience, I realised this was not the pathway I wanted to take.
“Right now, I am on a placement with Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, just outside Ballynahinch. This is an award-winning outdoor centre offering glamping, foraging, wellness and alpaca experiences – which is how I am involved.
“After the course I would like to work with guide dogs or medical alert service dogs. I am really interested in training and caring for these animals so they can work with people with health needs. I am not ruling out further study but after the course I would like to get experience or work in this area.”
In conclusion, Daniel said, “I would encourage anyone who is interested in working with animals to have a look at the courses on offer at their local college. The tutors and the facilities are great and there is progression from Level 2 Traineeship to Diploma and Higher Level here at SERC.”
Apply now for courses commencing September 2026. Come along to our Full-Time and Part-Time Open Evening on Thursday 4 June 2026 at our Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses from 5pm - 8pm.
