SERC Makes Business Sense for Upskilling

Upskilling is a necessity in every business.   For Alan Ritchie, an architect, upskilling at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) offered the key to bid for certain public sector tenders, along with the flexibility to juggle work and family life.

Alan (48), is owner and director of C60 Design, based in Belfast.  The architect business employs 10 people.   Alan is currently completing the OCN NI Level 5 Extended Certificate in Retrofitting Domestic Properties at SERC’s Zero Carbon Centre at Holywood Campus.

Alan said, “My primary reason for doing the course at SERC is the legislative requirement - PAS 2035 – for businesses such as mine to have a Level 5 Retrofit qualification in order to bid for certain public sector tenders.   I have a personal interest in retrofit and the fact the course was fully funded at SERC, made great business sense to upskill.

“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.   It comprises ten units, completed over 12 months, with a day in the classroom each month and an optional tutorial. We have course work to do on every unit and a few practical exercises. Since all participants are mature student and all working in industry, there is a bit of flexibility on the course.  There is a good broad range of people from different sectors, including plumbers, electricians, architects and builders.

"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. The Holywood campus has been very handy, and it has been easy to get to, and the facilities are great.”

Alan concluded, “I am a big fan of FE colleges.   My company, C60 Design, has involved students on placement from FE colleges and they have always worked well for us.  The FE colleges are often our first stop when considering short courses to upskill or reskill our staff.”

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