Zeki Finds New Pathway to Career on Fire and Security Apprenticeship

WorldSkills UK 2025 Finalist and Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire and Security Systems student Zeki Kaya (20), from Newtownards, is working towards his dream career through studying at SERC.    

After completing his GCSEs and entering sixth form for A Levels, Zeki thought about his next steps and decided he didn’t want to pursue a university degree. This decision, combined with his more hands-on learning style, motivated Zeki to research education routes to working in a trade.

Zeki says, “While I was looking for courses, my neighbour who works in the fire and security industry recommended SERC for their Fire and Security Apprenticeship, citing that the tutors were highly regarded in the industry. I checked out the course online and it looked interesting, plus the campus was only five minutes from my house, so I decided to give it a go.  

“The practical elements of the apprenticeship are my favourite part. In class we learn how to install fire and security systems from the ground up, including how to properly handle cables and the devices within the systems. While I typically can’t sit still for long in a classroom, the theory on the course is way more interesting than anything I’ve been taught before; we learn all about the legal requirements of working with fire and security systems, electrical equations, and the principals of how everything within the fire and security systems work. It’s all information that helps you a lot on site.  

“I’m an apprentice for Specialised Fire and Security, based in Belfast. Most of the work I do involves the installation of fire and security systems. So, I work with fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV cameras and access control systems. We work all around Northern Ireland and sometimes the Republic of Ireland. The installation work is my favourite part of the job, but the maintenance and service work is also great experience for me.”  

Zeki will be competing in the WorldSkills UK National Finals which is set to begin on 26 November 2025 in Wales. Zeki says, "It's a great opportunity to be in the finals, I feel like SERC and my employer have given me the skills to do well in it. I’m familiar with the kit we will need to install as part of the competition, and I work well under pressure, so we’ll see how things go.”  

Zeki concludes, “I’d recommend SERC. They have good equipment, good facilities and the tutors are really helpful. Overall, I’m really enjoying being an apprentice and earning money while I work. I’d love to be a full-time engineer, and the apprenticeship is getting me closer towards that.”

Register to join the WorldSkills UK National Finals Livestream 26 – 27 November.