Learning Alongside her Job Helps Lauren Plan her Future

Castlewellan woman, Lauren Murphy, is progressing her career with a part-time course at SERC alongside her job.  Lauren (22) from Castlewellan, had started an early years course in Liverpool after her A-Levels, but after the first year she realised it wasn’t for her, came home and took a local job to tide her over. She then heard of a job at her old primary school, as a classroom assistant giving special needs support to a pupil with autism, and successfully applied. 

She says, 

“I have always known I wanted to work with children, though I hadn’t thought of special needs support [SEN]. It turns out I really love my job – but I did feel I had unfinished business and wanted to gain qualifications to back up my classroom experience.” 

Colleagues suggested she explore what was available at SERC, so Lauren got online, applied for the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning at the SERC Downpatrick Campus, and hasn’t looked back:  

“I enjoy it all, especially the fact that we learn in SERC and then I go to work, and I can see how what I’ve just learnt is relevant every day.  There is so much to think about – health and safety, how children develop, and how you can help. When I first started in this job, I was out of my comfort zone, but the support of the course has helped my confidence at work. It’s very rewarding work; I can see the child I support improving in his skills and, importantly, he now engages more with learning.” 

Lauren likes the atmosphere in class and comments, 

“The first week I sat on my own, but then quickly made friends in the class – in fact the whole class are great friends, which really helps with learning.  We have a group chat and so we all support each other with any challenges, and of course, Ursula Maginn, the tutor is lovely and offers so much help.  

“I would definitely recommend the course – in fact, I already have, and there’s another girl at work planning to enrol, and someone who works with my dad has applied. So, if you’re thinking about it, come and do it and don’t be shy! You’ll make friends and you’ll have lots of support.” 

Looking to the future, Lauren says,

“The Level 3 Certificate can lead on to the Level 3 Diploma which would improve employment prospects further. The school I work in is increasing its SEN provision so I would hope to progress there, but I would work in either SEN or mainstream education in the long term. There are few permanent jobs in this field, so the more qualified I can be, the better.”