Higher-Level Apprenticeship Brings Kirsty Back to Education

Kirsty Gilmore, from Kircubbin, says going back to education in her forties has been a good move and has set her on the path to progression at work. 

Kirsty (43) who is originally from Stranraer in Scotland, is currently studying for a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services, as part of her Higher Level Apprenticeship with Praxis Care. She says that, after previous setbacks in her learning journey, she is enjoying being back in education:  

“I did a social work course at SERC a few years ago and gave up due to mental health issues. I am in a much better place now, working as a team leader in a care provider, and I’m now ready to do more. I wasn’t keen on school, and I was always in trouble but now I feel that this is my time, and at SERC you are supported to achieve.”   

Kirsty has always worked with people and says, “I had been a carer for my dad then worked in hospitality; I was a hotel manager for a long time and also caring and volunteering alongside. I’m currently a team leader with responsibility for a number of carers, managing the shifts day to day, supervising staff and generally supporting the manager.  

“I have ambitions for a managerial post, though, and I explored how to achieve that. My own manager did this course before and says it definitely helped with career progression, so I thought about that. As I had good memories of SERC and the friendly tutors, I realised I was happy to come back and to move forward."  

As a Higher-Level Apprentice, Kirsty is paid to learn on the job, with a day at SERC Newtownards Campus each week.  

Reflecting on her current Level 5 course, Kirsty says, “I am enjoying learning again. I feel we have a lovely wee class; everyone’s supportive and the tutors are so helpful. I look forward to college day each week.  I would say to anyone: go for it, go back to education; you can study at any age. It’s different when you are older; I love the fact there is a range of ages in the class and different experiences and so on. It can be scary, the thought of coming back through the doors of a college but SERC is so welcoming.”  

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).