Full-Time and Part-Time Open Evening at SERC

SERC is getting set to welcome potential students to their Open Evening from 5pm – 8pm on Thursday 5 June at the college’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.

Heather McKee, Deputy Principal, Planning, Performance and Engagement said, “Young people planning their next steps after GCSEs or A-Levels, along with their parents or guardians, and those planning part-time study or a leisure course, are invited to visit to meet staff and see the facilities dedicated to real learning for real life at SERC.”

She added, “Visitors will be able to find out more about our full-time courses, including traineeships, apprenticeships and higher education programmes for a wide range of subjects on offer including Animal Care, Applied Science, Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Business & Management,  Computing, Art and Design, Engineering, Health & Social Care, Hairdressing, Creative Media Production & Technology, Plumbing, Sport, Travel & Tourism, Retail,  and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

“Part-time courses include qualifications that can help entry into, or advancement in, the workplace including courses in Motor Vehicle, Computing, Training & Development, Renewable Energies, Pharmacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).   We also have part-time higher education programmes including Applied Sciences, Construction Management, Cloud Computing Technologies and International Travel & Tourism Management.”  

Our leisure courses include Upholstery and Soft Furnishings, Creative Ceramics and Painting for Pleasure, and Holiday French, Spanish and Italian to get you ready for trips away.

For Alan Ritchie (48 pictured above), an architect, upskilling at SERC offered the key to bid for certain public sector tenders, along with the flexibility to juggle work and family life. The owner/director of C60 Design is currently completing the OCN NI Level 5 Extended Certificate in Retrofitting Domestic Properties, part time, at SERC’s Zero Carbon Centre at Holywood Campus. He said, “I thought I knew quite a bit about the subject, but I have picked up a lot more through the course including some small things, through chatting amongst my peers, which have proved invaluable.”

Alan continued, “The course is manageable but there is a bit of juggling for work and family.   Since all participants are mature students and all working in industry, there is a bit of flexibility on the course.

“I would encourage anyone in the industry to consider the course, for the opportunity to have a wider understanding of the subject.   The tutors really know their material and there is a nice synergy of thought and discussion.”

SERC’s support services, pastoral care, and Students’ Union teams will be on hand to ensure you are fully aware of all support available for each and every student, to ensure they have successful studies at SERC. 

Heather concluded, “Staff will be on hand to talk you through the applications and admissions process, as well as help you look at your goals and how to achieve them through a full-time or part-time course at SERC. And for those potential students who are undecided about their next steps, our careers advisors will be present to help you explore your options. Please check our website to register and for further information as courses are available at different campuses.”