Locals urged to attend SERCs Newcastle Campus open day

As part of their commitment to the East Down Region, SERC is preparing to host an open day at their Newcastle Campus on 5 September from 2pm-7pm.

The event will be an opportunity for prospective learners to explore the range of courses available and talk to the tutors. The event has been organised by SERC to help and support the community re-engage in education and training. 

Visitors will learn about the range of qualifications on offer including Restart Education, suitable for people who want to re-train or change careers and Essential Skills.  

The Restart Education programme can help build literacy, numeracy and science skills. Previous students have successfully progressed to university and changed their lives as a result, such as Karen Mooney, a young mother of two who worked as a waitress until she returned to SERC and has now completed a sociology degree and secured a new job.

SERC Campus Manager Paul Walsh explains: “We are delighted to be hosting this event to open people’s minds to the huge opportunities that exist within the College. The event is designed to promote the benefits of returning to education, and the support mechanisms that SERC offer to help overcome barriers to education that people may face. I would urge the local community to attend the event and see for themselves what is on offer.

“With 56% of the population having a Level 2 (GCSE) as their highest qualification and research showing a significant shortage of people with the appropriate qualifications to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland Economy, the event will increase awareness of how the College can provide access to education to the most deprived areas.

It will also help ensure that those with little or no skills, or have other barriers to education, have the opportunity to succeed.”

For more information, please visit the open day between 2pm-7pm at the Newcastle Campus on Tuesday 5 September, call 0345 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find us on Facebook, search: SERC.