Careers day for apprentices at SERC

Seventeen employers and manufacturers were on hand to give potential apprentices and employees the opportunity to find out what it would be like to work in the fire and security industry, as well as discover the type of roles they could be doing as a first-year apprentice or by transferring into the industry.

Robin Hamill, Lecturer in Fire & Security at SERC said: “We were delighted with the turnout and the support from industry. Our event aimed to raise awareness amongst young people, school leavers, and experienced workers - who may be considering a change of career - about this exciting growth industry which encompasses fundamentals of electronics, IT and electrical skills, and builds on knowledge that may have been gained at school or in employment. Four visitors to the event were invited for interview by employers for apprenticeship positions and successful candidates will complete their apprenticeship studies through SERC.”

The event also gave SERC the opportunity to recognise the College’s first cohort of Level 3 Fire Systems Apprentices which had been postponed due to the pandemic. Robin continued: “This group of 25 former apprentices will be the first in Northern Ireland to be issued with an Electrotechnical Certificate Scheme Fire Emergency Security Systems (FESS) Gold Technicians Card - evidence of competency ahead of forthcoming new legislation for the Construction and built environment industry as part of the ongoing Grenfell Tower inquiry.”