Abbie McGaw

“I knew I would be progressing to college after school and although I wanted to do something with animals, I was keeping my options open and had in mind a couple of different courses. After a bit of research, I found the Traineeship in Animal Care at SERC and planned to come along to the open day at Lisburn Campus with my mum.  That was great as we met a couple of the tutors that day and were able to see the animal house and the facilities.   As soon as I walked in and saw all the animals, I knew that this was the course for me.”

“My favourite part of the course must be the practical side.  On Friday we clean out the cages, feed all the animals and get to handle them which is brilliant.” 

“As part of my course I have a placement in Ruby’s Doggy Daycare just outside Portadown.  I go there on a Thursday for placement and work there on a Saturday, as I worked there before I started the course.”

“I love dogs and when I started the course all I wanted to do was work with them in some capacity.  But for my birthday recently, I was gifted the chance to be a zookeeper for a day and it was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the experience has broadened my horizons as to what I might do career wise.  Right now, my plan is to go on and do my Level 3 Traineeship in Animal Care and then progress to a higher-level animal management course here at SERC, but I am keeping my options open.”

“It was a big change coming to SERC, but I am thoroughly enjoying the college and it didn’t take long to settle in. The tutors and the facilities – especially the canteen – are all great.”