SERC graduate aims to ‘Shape a Better World’

SERC graduate Michael Orr from Lisburn has secured employment with ARUP Group following a successful placement.

Michael gained a unique insight into the construction industry at ARUP Group thanks to the placement opportunity, part of his HND in Construction and the Built Environment course studied at the College. Following a demanding selection process, Michael received the opportunity to experience first-hand what it was like on a construction site as well as in a design office.

Thanks to the placement, Michael secured part-time employment as a trainee CAD Technician with the company and is now studying Civil Engineering at Queens University Belfast.

Michael decided to enrol at SERC after a representative from the College gave a talk at his school. He enrolled onto the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment before progressing onto the HND.

Course tutor Kim McCoy-Johnston explains: “The HND combines academic study with on-the-job experience. This means students graduate with a specialised set of skills that meet the specific needs of employers. At SERC we are committed to providing students with valuable work placements and development opportunities which allow them to improve their employability skills, add to their knowledge and explore their potential. During the placement programme, students are given the opportunity to work in a busy environment to gain experience, with the aim of helping them secure full-time employment. I am delighted that Michael has got this amazing start to his career. It is just the beginning of a great career for him.”  

Speaking about his experience Michael said: “I was delighted when I was offered the job. I was always interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry. Thanks to SERC I gained work experience, new friends and secured part-time employment with ARUP. I also secured a place at university to study civil engineering. The best thing about the course was the resources that were available such as the learning resource centre, computer software packages and online learning facilities.”

He added “I would encourage anyone considering enrolling at SERC to visit the open days and talk to the tutors.”