Study with us

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The sky’s the limit for your career

So what’s the key to landing your dream job?

It’s making sure that the skills you've got are exactly the skills that the economy needs. Our close industry links mean we know where the jobs are going to be - and how to get you ready for them.

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Start your career with confidence

Take a look at the kinds of exciting projects you'll take part in. Working with local employers on real life jobs is the quickest way to get job-ready skills and confidence. Plus it’s a great way to impress employers or Universities, too!

Photograph showing Patrick Garrett leaning against a purple wall at British Telecom

Success Story

My name is Patrick Garrett, I always had a passion for IT, and I don't believe I would be where I am today without the education I received at SERC. I studied a Level 3 IT course and it was SERC who helped me develop my interests and knowledge. The passion from my tutors was contagious and it was then that I knew what I wanted to do - follow my own passions.

After completing my course at SERC I began my journey into the world of work. I looked for opportunities to evolve and expand my capabilities which is when I followed the route of becoming Cisco certified.

I managed to find myself working for a large global contact centre where I worked on a vast array of technologies.

I then moved to BT and within 3-4 years I found myself heading up a multimillion pound contract and being responsible for every aspect of its success.

I never thought I would see a day when I would achieve so much. My recommendation to you would be to show humility and listen to your tutors as they try to share their knowledge, your life will be easier in the long run.

Never stop learning and don't be afraid to reach your full potential no matter how daunting or scary it may be. Be respectful to your peers and you will go far.

Patrick Garrett now works for British Telecom as Head of Operations for Northern Ireland Developed Government

Photograph of Lindsay Bothwell in her flight attendant uniform

  During my time at SERC I got a sound knowledge and understanding of the Travel and Tourism industry and took part in a valuable work placement at Belfast City Airport. The tutors really guided and supported us all and without them I wouldn't have secured such an amazing job as an Emirates flight attendant.  

Lindsay Bothwell Travel and Tourism

Photograph of Charlotte Hamilton holding a certificate

  I decided to study at SERC due to the smaller class sizes and the fact that it was on my doorstep. I previously studied Accounting at University but I wasn't enjoying it. When I saw that SERC offered Accounting locally I enrolled right away. It’s the best decision I ever made. I would encourage others to consider SERC as a first option.  

Charlotte Hamilton Accounting Technicians Ireland

We work with hundreds of employers and businesses

AB Pneumatics company logo
Denroy company logo
Northen Ireland Irish Football Association Logo
Coca-Cola Hellenic company logo
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council logo
Ulster Aviation Society logo

Our links to industry names assure our courses equip students with the skills employers want. These partnerships also provide students with fantastic opportunities, to work on live projects set by employers, attend workshops, gain industry recognised qualifications and gain real life work experience, so they are work ready when they leave.

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Gain work experience abroad!

So what’s the key to landing your dream job?

It’s making sure that the skills you’ve got are exactly the skills that the economy needs. Our close industry links mean we know where the jobs are going to be - and how to get you ready for them.

Start your career with confidence

All students enrolled from Level 2 up to our Level 5 Higher Education courses are eligible to participate in the funded Erasmus+ European Work Experience Programme.

Opportunities are available in Spain, Tenerife, Italy and Malta to undertake a 2 week work placement in a relevant business.

Gaining work experience abroad will help boost your self-confidence, independence and improve your employability prospects, giving your CV the edge when you come to apply for jobs. It’s 100% funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme, and students selected for this project will be supported with:

  • The cost of travel to and from the UK
  • Accommodation costs including utilities
  • Local travel costs in Europe
  • Subsistence money
  • Meals and cultural activities
  • A work placement in your vocational area
  • Support from tutors and host organisations

A recruitment and selection process for suitable candidates takes place every autumn. Work placements are currently available in the following areas:

Animal Management, IT, Travel and Tourism, Sport, Catering, Performing Arts, Construction and Early Years.