Past Student Inspires Next Generation for Construction Sector

We love it when our past students return to SERC to help inspire the next generation.   Such was the case when Holly Johnston, caught up with theLevel 3 Extended Diploma in Construction at SERC Bangor Campus recently to tell them about her journey following progression from SERC.  

Holly completed the same course in Bangor from 2014 to 2016. She then progressed to Liverpool John Moores University, where she did a BSc in Construction Management.  

Holly said, “When I was at SERC, I went to Malta in 2015 for work experience (through what is now the Turing Scheme) as part of the course.    I had such a fantastic experience, so much so, I went back to Malta for my one-year work placement from university in 2018/19.   This time I worked for the Restoration Directorate, responsible for historic buildings in Malta.  Again, it was an amazing experience.”  

She added, “I graduated in 2020, and started working for Farrans as a Building Engineer.   I then moved to Stand Homes and worked for one year as a site engineer on the High Trees site before being promoted this January to Site Manager on my new site at Ferndene.”  

Lecturer in Construction, Simon Cummings said, “It was great to welcome Holly back to SERC and to see how she had progressed.   Visits such as this one, inspire our current students and give them the opportunity to hear about a real journey - from course to career - by someone who has completed the exact same programme as themselves.”  

Apply now for courses commencing September 2025.  Register to attend our Open Evening from 5pm – 8pm on Thursday 5 June at the college’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.