SFYL Students welcome master carver Philip Steele

Recently, Skills for Your Life (SFYL) Students from SERC’s Newtownards Campus welcomed Philip Steele, a master wood carver to speak to students who are currently researching how to ‘prepare for work’.

Philip Steele is a renowned wood carver from Bangor who works on projects for clients such as Mountstewart and Stormont. Phillip produces everything from hand carved stair railings to chairs. His most notable project in recent years has been for the hit tv show Game of thrones where amongst other props carved the Queen's throne shown in Kings Landing. Phillip also runs wood carving classes at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

As part of their studies, students are aiming to achieve qualifications in Employability and Personal Development and thanks to Philips visit, students got to hear from his own personal experiences. Phillip provided an exceptional insight into how ‘passion’ could develop into an interesting and fulfilling career.

Heather Dunn, Associate Lecturer from the School of Hospitality, Management, Tourism and Languages said that:

“Having Phillip come to the college is a fantastic opportunity for the students to hear from not only a successful entrepreneur who has a real passion for what he does, but this also shows the students that they don’t have to go down a traditional job role. They can overcome employment barriers, gain qualifications, gain valuable work experience and develop a real passion for their work.”