Over 500 visitors attended hands‑on taster sessions designed to showcase the wide range of Apprenticeship (Levels 2 and 3) and Higher Level Apprenticeship opportunities available across the college, highlighting strong interest in apprenticeship pathways.
Victoria Boyd, Head of Training Programmes & Apprenticeships at SERC, said: “NI Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to open our doors to prospective apprentices and employers so they can truly see what an apprenticeship looks like at SERC.
"The turnout demonstrates the growing recognition of apprenticeships as an excellent career route for learners of all ages.”
Visitors were able to tour specialist workshops and talk to tutors and staff about opportunities in key industry areas including accountancy, professional cookery, land-based engineering, wall and floor tiling, air conditioning, fire and security, health and social care, motor vehicle, construction trades, engineering, electrical, plumbing, plastering and leadership for children’s care.
The Newtownards campus also welcomed attendees into SERC’s new state‑of‑the‑art Fire and Security training facilities, where visitors met with employers actively recruiting apprentices in this expanding sector.
In addition to the Have A Gosessions, SERC hosted two invitation‑only events in Lisburn for local schools and employers, focusing on engineering apprenticeships. The college also continued engagement with employers on the design of a new motor vehicle Higher Level Apprenticeship and automotive engineering programme to better meet industry demand.
Victoria concluded, “SERC currently supports over 1,450 Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices and 260 Higher Level apprentices. Apprentices are employed from day one, earning while they learn and gaining real-world experience alongside experienced professionals.”
SERC’s Full-time Open Evening will be at 4pm - 7pm on Thursday, March 5 at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses.
5. Contributed
SERC fire and security apprentice, Samuel Harvey introduces his brother, Alex to the workshop, facilities and tutors at SERC during the NI Apprenticeship Week Have a Go Session. Photo: Submitted