Change of direction takes Luke to WorldSkills national finals

Starting out on a different pathway doesn’t mean there isn’t room for manoeuvre, and for SERC apprentice, Luke Wilson, the change of direction has taken him to the WorldSkills UK National Finals which is set to begin on 26 November 2025 in Wales.

Luke Wilson (21), from Newtownabbey, started out on a pathway for a career in media – he won the All-Ireland Rotary Photography Competition in 2017 - but found that this wasn’t the right direction for him.  After his GCSEs at Ballyclare Secondary School, he successfully completed a Level 3 in Creative Media Production at his local college, then moved on to the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire & Security Systems with SERC and is currently employed by Atlas World.

Luke said, “I had always been interested in electrics, but with one thing and another I took the creative media pathway.   Although I really enjoyed the creative media production course which I completed during covid, I quickly realised I didn’t want to be sitting in front of a computer screen every day.”

He continued, “I found out about a Fire and Security Systems Apprenticeship Open Day at SERC’s Lisburn Campus and decided to come along.   I got to speak to the Lecturers, Chris and Robin, and to meet with some of the employers, including representatives from Atlas World, whom I did work experience with in 2019.   I got back in touch with Atlas and successfully secured an apprenticeship post with them and then started the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire & Security Systems at SERC. I am now in my fourth year and haven’t looked back.

He said, “I love the work and love the day in college.   The lecturers are great, and fantastic at explaining everything, if you do something wrong, they explain why and how to fix it.   The facilities are very realistic and workshop is like being out on site, plus we get to work on the latest equipment.   What I learn in work I can bring back to college and vice versa, so it is a continual cycle of learning and you are building up your confidence all the time.”

Speaking about life beyond the apprenticeship Luke said, “My plan is to successfully complete the apprenticeship and continue working with Atlas.  I am keen to further my skills and qualifications so I can progress in the industry. I have even been able to utilise my photography skills at Atlas World, by taking photos for the Marketing Manager for digital and print promotion, which is great.”

“The apprenticeship route is a great way to learn and make a living.  For a role in the fire and security sector, every day is very different, and you get to work all over the country.   It is a good technical trade that can take you to work anywhere in the world, so I would certainly recommend it to anyone interested.”

Speaking about the WorldSkills UK Finals, Luke said, "I am excited to be competing. I am currently practicing on demonstration panels in my garage after work and revising the regulations and standards. My plan of action is to be confident and make sure to plan all tasks out.

Luke concluded, “I'd like to thank everyone at Atlas especially my managers Gerard, Ricky, and Paddy and to Dylan who have helped and supported me throughout my apprenticeship. I'd also like to thank Allen, Robin and Chris at SERC who have support me too." 

Register to join the WorldSkills UK National Finals Livestream 26 – 27 November.