A visit to SERC open evening in Lisburn leads Jess to 'best decision'

Jess Hammond, who is 17, and from Lisburn, had taken her GCSEs at grammar school, but wanted to progress to something more creative than the A-Levels on offer.

Jess Hammond, from Lisburn, found that a visit to the college open evening convinced her that it was the right place for her to study. | South Eastern Regional College

placeholder image — Jess Hammond, from Lisburn, found that a visit to the college open evening convinced her that it was the right place for her to study. | South Eastern Regional College

A careers teacher suggested she explore her options at SERC.

Jess said: “I came to an open evening at SERC Lisburn Campus and met the tutor for the Level 2 and Level 3 Music courses, and straight away I knew I wanted to enrol. 

At SERC you'll find professional-standard facilities and a focus on hands-on learning | South Eastern Regional College

"He was very upfront about what to expect, and very reassuring, and I knew it was what I wanted to do.  

"My mother hadn’t been sure it was the right move, especially about music as a career, but when she understood the course is career-focussed, she was happy to see me enrol. My family are very academic and so moving from school to college was a departure for me, but I really enjoy it and it was the best decision I ever made.”

SERC staff are gearing up for the college’s open evening on Thursday, June 4, when potential students can visit Lisburn Campus between 5pm and 8pm, as well as campuses in Bangor, Downpatrick, and Newtownards.

Visitors can meet tutors to explore full and part time course options starting this September, with opportunities at all levels from foundation learning and post-GCSE, to degree level and beyond. Staff from SERC’s extensive support network will be available on campus, including advisors on careers, learning support and student finance as well as representatives of the college’s active students’ union.

Gary Ritchie, SERC Deputy Principal, Curriculum, says potential applicants have a huge range of pathways and qualifications to choose from.

He added: “Our full-time courses include traineeships, apprenticeships and further and higher education courses, with programmes including Animal Care, Applied Science, Barbering, Business, Computing, Plumbing, Engineering, Sport, Hospitality and so many more. SERC’s part-time courses can help students progress in their career, or find a new direction, with subject areas such as management, renewable energies, pharmacy or computing and we also offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and leisure courses including languages, horticulture, art and cookery.

"These are just examples, and you can find out a full list on our website. It’s worth researching before you visit as you can explore which courses are available at each campus, and if you register your interest we will keep you up to date with news and events at SERC.”

Asked if she would advise others to consider SERC, Jess Hammond  doesn’t hesitate.

“Come to an open evening, come and see the college, and talk to tutors. It took away my worries –and my mother’s! I recommend the teaching, the support, the facilities and the technology – everything is up-to-date and top spec.  I’ve grown in confidence and made so many friends.”

Explore the SERC open evening and the courses on offer at www.serc.ac.uk