Apprenticeship puts Rafael on Track for Progression

Moving from Loughborough to Lisburn brought a new home and a new life for Rafael Lorf, who has found the route to his ambitions through an apprenticeship at SERC.  

Rafael, now aged 26, is in the second year of a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Engineering.  

Rafael had GCSEs and two years of further education in England under his belt when he arrived in Northern Ireland three years ago. He had also built up experience in industry, working in machine shops and assembly lines. 

When he moved to Lisburn, Rafael found employment at Linamar, an advanced manufacturing company, as a maintenance technician but knew he wanted to progress in his career. He says he is grateful to his supervisor for supporting his ambition:

“I was doing routine work and wanted to know how I could move on. I was encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship with the company as a toolmaker, and I was successful.  

“I am now in the second year of this apprenticeship, and I have developed a passion for the trade. I would like to progress as far as a Level 5 (equivalent to a foundation degree) if my employer agrees. I do however have a dream of one day building Formula One cars! I am a massive fan of motorsports and to work for one of the manufacturers such as Mercedes or McLaren would be fantastic! The ambition is there...” 

Rafael’s employer advised him to enrol at SERC for his apprenticeship course and he was pleased to find that the campus was on his doorstep. He knew nothing about the college, but a visit to SERC Lisburn Campus told him it was the right place for him: 

“When I went to the enrolment day, I met the tutors and got some insight into student experiences at SERC and learnt the structure of the course, and I knew I had made the right call.  It’s great that everything we cover is directly relevant to my job. For example, our first two modules were fabrication and CNC machining, and I could utilise the skills we learnt.” 

An aspect of SERC which Rafael feels is particularly valuable, is the encouragement to test skills at every opportunity. He explains, “Apart from assignments and work, I was also entered into an inter-college competition which I’m proud to say I won. The whole event, with awards and lunch and networking was really good and it was a terrific opportunity to measure our skills against others from different colleges. And then I was put forward for the Northern Ireland Apprentice of the Year Award. I was shocked when I heard, but I have always tried to give one hundred per cent and I am grateful that my tutors have recognised that. Even being nominated feels like a reward.” 

He is also happy to recommend SERC to others: 

“SERC offers expert and talented teachers. If you’re ever struggling, you’re provided with the help and resources you need to complete your written and practical work. I have recommended the college to my girlfriend and she is exploring her options for next year.”   

Asked what advice he would give to anyone considering taking the apprenticeship route, Rafael says,   “Find your passion! And if you are not sure, then come along to an open day and speak to staff; they are happy to help you find what suits you and put you on the right path. An apprenticeship at SERC delivers everything you need for the future.  The more I learn and the more I develop, the more my passion for the trade grows – I want to keep learning!” 

SERC is hosting four Information and Have a Go Sessions over two evenings during NI Apprenticeship Week, 4.30 – 7.00pm on Tuesday 4 February (Bangor and Newtownards Campuses) and Thursday 6 February (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses).