Wet Trades Employer Engagement Evenings at SERC

SERC recently hosted two wet trades employer engagement evenings at the college’s Newtownards and Downpatrick Campuses. The events aimed to raise awareness of the provision of wet trades training – bricklaying, plastering, tiling and construction maintenance - available at SERC, and to forge stronger connections between the college and industry.

Participants, from a range of construction trades and specialisms, also got to network whilst exploring opportunities to collaborate in supporting trainees through work placements and apprenticeships, share industry trends, showcase projects, and highlight the skills most in demand across the industry.

Victoria Boyd, Head of Training Programmes and Apprenticeships, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the programmes on offer and the funding incentives available to employers. She said, “We were delighted with the interest from local employers in these first sessions which allowed us to showcase the opportunities available and to demonstrate the quality of our courses and the enthusiasm of our students. “Employer engagement is vital for building strong partnerships and, by working together, we can ensure our trainees continue to gain the knowledge, practical experience and qualifications they need so they are work-ready, and employers have access to the skilled talent required to meet industry demands.”

John Ambrose, Deputy Head of School of Built Environment at SERC, added, “We are keen to enhance the perception of wet trades as, together, they make up the cornerstone of the construction sector, and with the right training and qualifications, offer many employment opportunities.”

SERC is hosting another wet trades employer engagement evening at 6.30pm to 8.00pm on Thursday 15 January 2026 at the college’s Lisburn Campus.   For further information contact Terry Holland, Curriculum Manager, THolland@serc.ac.uk or call 07712622242.