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- Earn while you learn
You will receive at least Minimum Wage (HLA) for the duration of your studies including College Day! - Experienced Mentor
Work with and learn from professionals with years of experience in your chosen industry - Just 1 day per week in College
Complete your HLA (Foundation Degree or Diploma) with just 1 day or evening per week in College over 2 years (3 years for Mechatronics and Culinary Arts) - No fees = No Student Loans
Your course will be fully funded by the Department for the Economy which means no student debt! - Fantastic career opportunities
You have a job from day one which opens many opportunities for progression/promotion within your company
t and interview skills at careers@serc.ac.uk
Opportunities are available for you to gain qualifications from Level 4 upwards if you are a new employee or an existing employee in a new job role. Entry requirements will depend on the apprenticeship pathway.
To take part in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme you need, as a minimum, to:
- be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company
- work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training)
- have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector
- pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector
- be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland (18)
You may need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you're a non-EU national, a public sector worker or already have a recognised vocational qualification.
- Contact employers directly by email, telephone or call in with your CV
- Contact your local College – email us for support at any time in they year!
- Look for vacancies online (employer websites or job search website such as Job Centre Online
- Have you previously done a school work placement? Contact them if aligned with your chosen industry
- Contact SERC’s career service for free advice, CV support and interview skills at careers@serc.ac.uk
An HLA is a Level 4/5 Qualification for new employees or for existing employees who are upskilling/entering a new job role.
- Main qualification is a Foundation Degree or Level 4/5 Diploma, achieved over 2 years (3 years for Mechatronics and Computing)
- It is an employment contract, working 4 days per week with your employer and studying in College 1 day per week. You are also paid for your day in College!
- Entry requirements vary but generally include GCSE Maths & English at grace C or above and A Levels or a Level 3 Certificate/Diploma
As an apprentice you will be a new or existing employee, in a Northern Ireland-based company, working with experienced staff to learn and develop your skills.
An apprentice also receives ‘off-the-job’ training, usually on a day-release basis with a training provider, to work towards achieving vocational qualifications and Essential Skills qualifications (reading, writing, maths and computers).
Your training provider will meet with you and your employer to discuss your training needs and will then develop a training programme for you. They will be with you every step of the way throughout your apprenticeship to support you and make sure you are making progress. Usually you are with the employer four days a week and with the training provider one day a week. Your employer will pay you for your time spent with the training provider.
We offer a broad range of activities both indoors and outdoors which are based on the current planning theme. This supports children’s learning while developing each child’s physical, social and emotional, cognitive and language development through play.
In each area of the creche we provide a range of activities suitable to the particular age group. This which enables each child to develop at their own individual pace.
Learning through play is an integral part of a young child’s development as through play children learn essential skills such as concentration, problem solving, imagination, working with others. This also helps to build children’s self-esteem and confidence.
Higher Education qualifications range from Level 4 to Level 7 (post-graduate) . You can find out about the different awarding bodies and the qualifications they offer here.
Degree - Level 6
Bachelors’ Degree
This usually takes three to five years to complete depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Foundation Degree – Level 5
This is a Higher Education qualification that combines academic study with work-based learning. A foundation degree can lead to a full degree, or employment.
Higher National Diploma (HND) - Level 5
HNDs are a work-related, vocational Higher Education qualification. While Degrees tend to focus on gaining knowledge, HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that knowledge to effective use in a particular job. HNDs are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.
Progression opportunities include entry to enhanced level 6 Degree.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) – Level 4
HNCs are a vocational Higher Education qualification that are usually studied part-time over two years or full-time over one year. HNCs are popular with students who are already in employment as they enable you to put the skills you learn into practice in your current job. Progression opportunities to enter degree programmes can be available.
Professional Qualifications – Level 4 and 5
Qualifications which are accredited by professional industry bodies and demonstrate a student’s depth of knowledge and understanding of a subject and also a commitment to succeed within the industry.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) provides the public with access to information held by public authorities.
The Freedom of Information Act (2000) gives the public the right of access to recorded information held by public authorities (subject to certain conditions and exemptions) including Further and Higher Education institutions. Compliance with legislation is demonstrated through implementation of the Code of Practice 2018.
This is conducted in two ways:
- Public authorities are obliged to publish certain information about their activities; and
- Members of the public are entitled to request information from public authorities.
The main principle behind freedom of information legislation is that people have a right to know about the activities of public authorities, unless there is a good reason for them not to. This is sometimes described as a presumption or assumption in favour of disclosure. The Act is also sometimes described as purpose and applicant blind.
To take part in the apprenticeships programme you need to:
- have reached the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland (16 years)
- be employed or be about to take up paid employment in Northern Ireland
- be working a minimum of 21 hours per week on a permanent contract
- meet all the entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship (for example some apprenticeships will require you to have GCSEs)
You may need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you're a non-EU national, a public sector worker or already have a recognised vocational qualification. If you're 25 years and over, there are restrictions on the type of apprenticeship with funding available.
Equivalent to: BA (Honours) Degree
Typical Entry Requirements: Level 4/5 or Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A-levels). See individual courses for details. Certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning Process).
Progression: Progress to a Master Degree or use your skills to start work.
Equivalent to: Second year of a Bachelor Degree
Typical Entry Requirements: Level 4 or Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A-levels). See individual courses for details. Certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning Process).
Progression: Progress to a Degree course at College or University or use your skills to start work.
Equivalent to: First year of a Bachelor Degree
Typical Entry Requirements: Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A-levels). See individual courses for details. Certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning Process).
Progression: Progress to Higher Education at SERC/University or use your skills to start work.
*Please check specific entry requirements for specific courses
Pearson
- Level 4- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- Level 5- Higher National Diploma (HND)
Ulster University (UU)
- Level 4- Certificate
- Level 5- Foundation Degree
The Open University (OU)
- Level 5- Foundation Degree (FD)
- Level 6- Top- Up Honours Degree
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
- Level 6- Honours Degree Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)
- Level 4- Certificate
- Level 5- Diploma City and Guilds (C&G)
- Level 4- Award/ Certificate
- Level 5- Award
- Level 6- Award
- Level 7- Award
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
- Level 4- Award/ Certificate
- Level 5- Diploma
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
- Level 5- Diploma
- Level 7- Advanced Diploma
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Level 5- Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
- Level 7- Certificate Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)
- Level 4- Diploma
Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI)
- Level 4- Award
- Level 5- Certificate
Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)
- Level 5- Diploma Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)
- Level 4 Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
- Level 5 Certificate/ Diploma
- Contact employers directly by email, telephone or call in with your CV
- Look for vacancies online (employer websites or job search website such as Job Centre Online
- Have you previously done a school work placement? Contact them if aligned with your chosen industry
- Contact SERC’s career service for free advice, CV support and interview skills at careers@serc.ac.uk
The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) (2004) provides public access to environmental information held by public authorities, including Further and Higher Education institutions and impose several obligations on them. Therefore, similar to that of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (2000) as both are intended to promote openness and accountability amongst public authorities.
The table below illustrates examples of what EIR (2004) request could consist of:
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Elements | Air, water, soil, and landscapes | Condition of football pitches |
| Factors that effect on the environment | Energy, noise, waster, and emissions | Energy used at local theatre |
| Measures designed to affect the environment | Policies, legislation, and plans | Health and safety plan |
| Reports on legislation | ||
| Analyses | Cost/benefit analyses related to measures | Health and safety reports |
| State of human health & safety | Sanitation, food, hygiene, and state of buildings | Pool water testing information, hygiene reports for café |
Many students return to study with us who have been out of education for several years and have relevant experience at an appropriate level. If you are returning to study you may be eligible through the Accreditation of Prior Learning process (APL) :
- Accredited Prior Certification Learning (ACL) – this is learning associated with a formal course of study that has been assessed either in Higher Education, by a professional body or achieved through staff development.
- Accredited Prior Experience Learning (APL) – this is learning acquired through life, work experience and study not previously certified through formal education.
If you would like further information please discuss APL when you make your application, or contact Stuart Rankin (Head of Higher Education).
Student Support Services
Please find below details of some support services which may be useful. These relate to Counselling Support, Housing Support and Foodbanks.
COUNSELLING SUPPORT
Inspire Students - 0800 3895 362 - Inspire Students in an independent source of support and counselling for all students/trainees. They can be contacted for free, confidential and immediate support on the above number which is available 24/7. If necessary, they can call you back.
Lifeline - 0808 808 8000 - Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help. Calls to Lifeline are free and Lifeline counsellors are available 24/7 to listen and help in confidence. Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000.
HOUSING SUPPORT
MACS - provides a range of services for young people, including for those experiencing homelessness issues. They can be contacted on 028 4461 6551 (Downpatrick) or 028 9264 6329 (Lisburn), or visit their website www.macsni.org
NIHE (Northern Ireland Housing Executive) provides information and advice on homelessness and can be contacted on 03448 920 908 or click here to visit their website. In an Emergency the Housing Executive can provide temporary emergency accommodation for young people at risk of exploitation or who are vulnerable in some way by contacting them on 03448 920 908. For further information visit here - www.nihe.gov.uk/Housing-Help/Homelessness
Simon Community NI is a homeless charity, working to support people who have no home and can be contacted on 0800 1712222 or visit their website - www.simoncommunity.org/homelessness
House Rights NI can provide mediation services with landlords and tenants, support through disputes and support tenants with cases. They can be contacted on 028 9024 5640 or click here www.housingadviceni.org to visit their webpage
Emergency accommodation. For a full list of emergency shelters and beds if someone has nowhere to stay, please click here - www.chni.org.uk/advice.html#accomm
Women’s Aid provide support and information in relation to domestic abuse. Full contact details can be found here www.womensaidni.org
FOODBANKS
SERC students and staff have been generously supporting local Food Banks which have been making a real difference to people’s lives. If you need to contact one of the Food Banks in your area, please email them on the details below and they will be in touch:
Bangor: info@bangorni.foodbank.org.uk
Ards: info@newtownards.foodbank.org.uk
Lisburn: team@lisburnfoodbank.org
Downpatrick: fountainfoodbank@gmail.com
For a further list of Food Banks operating throughout Northern Ireland please click here www.cabfoodbanksuu.wordpress.com/list-of-food-banks/
Any individual/organisation can submit a request for information relating to College business activities.
FOIA:
Section 8 of FOIA states the criteria for a valid request to be:
- In writing
- states the name of the individual and an address for correspondence
- describes the information requested.
EIR:
Any individual can submit and EIR request to the College either verbally or in writing. The individual must provide:
- Contact Name
- Contact Details
- Description of the information they are requesting
Requests can be sent to the Records Manager at:
Records Manager
SERC, Bangor Campus
Castle Park Road
Bangor
BT20 4TD
informationrights@serc.ac.uk
- Earn while you learn
You will receive at least the Apprenticeship Rate (Levels 2/3) or Minimum Wage (HLA) for the duration of your studies including College Day! - Experienced Mentor
Work with and learn from professionals with years of experience in your chosen industry - Just 1 day per week in College
2/3 Apprenticeship with just 1 day or evening per week in College (2 days per week where essential skills are required) - Training Support Officer
You will have a dedicated Training Support Officer to turn to for support and guidance throughout your course. They will also complete regular reviews with your employer to monitor progress. - Fantastic career opportunities
You have a job from day one which opens many opportunities for progression/promotion within your company
At SERC we welcome students from far and wide, from China to Poland and Belarus to Sudan.
Our International students have the opportunity to study in a safe environment for a wide range of courses in one of the world’s most advanced education systems. Our students benefit from a high standard of teaching provided by well qualified, committed staff, delivered through small class sizes for a more supportive environment.
We have an International Office, from where you can get advice about preparing to come to the UK to study, including advice on visa issues where relevant, finding accommodation, opening a bank account and other issues related to helping you settle into a new country.
For more information please visit our International Department
So, what exactly is personal data? Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. Known as the ‘data subject’.
In other words, any information that clearly about a particular person. But how broadly does this apply?
The GDPR states that this applies where an individual can be identified directly or indirectly. Some of the followings are examples that can make an individual identifiable:
- Name;
- Identification number;
- Location data; and
- An online identifier
- Image
A name is perhaps the most common means of identifying someone. However, whether any potential identifier, including whether a name identifies an individual depends on the context.
By itself, the name ‘John Smith’ may not always be personal data because there are many individuals with that name. However, if the name is combined with other information (such as an address, a place of work, or a telephone number) this is often sufficient to clearly identify one individual.
Special Category Data
GDPR special category data is personal information of data subjects (individuals) that is especially sensitive. Special category data includes the following:
- Race and ethnic origin
- Religious or philosophical beliefs
- Political opinions
- Trade union memberships
- Biometric data used to identify an individual
- Genetic data
- Health data
- Data related to sexual orientation
Due to these data elements being particularly sensitive, the College must have a legitimate and lawful reason for collecting, storing, transmitting, or processing these data.
Graduation ceremonies are a formal occasion. The dress code consists of your gown, hood and formal dress. We recommend one of the following:
- A dark suit, white shirt and tie
- A dark dress
- A dark trouser or skirt suit, with a white shirt or blouse
Other formal attire related to your cultural tradition or national costume.
Find out more about our Higher Education courses, speak to our lecturing staff, see around our state of the art facilities and enrol on a Higher Education course at our annual open evening, or our enrolment days.
Wider employability skills are essential in securing employment after your studies. When you become a student at SERC you will be given the opportunity to develop these skills through our Employability Programme, that’s why
SERC will give you as many opportunities as possible to help you gain better skills and get
Studying at SERC will help you start the journey to your dream career as you will:
• Gain more qualifications
• Have the opportunity to set up a SERC Student Company
• Take part in industry projects
• Undertake work placements
• Get involved with volunteer programmes
We can give you advantages, skills and experience other young people take years to get. Students sitting where you are now have gone on to amazing careers with companies like Coca-Cola and NASA!
Yes! You can speak to our Careers Staff on campus, or via telephone or MS Teams. Please contact us at careers@serc.ac.uk. SERC students - please keep checking your college email for your weekly Careers Bulletin which has all the latest information on UCAS, jobs and opportunities, plus much more.
The College will only collect and process data that is necessary and we are forbidden from processing data unlawfully. Examples of reasons why we ask for your data can vary from the College performing its public task, fulfilments of legal obligations and where an individual requires protection from harm. Legislation protects your data against being processed where there is no existing lawful basis to do so.
The College has many Privacy Notices for various Departments to help you understand, how and why we collect your information. Privacy Notice - SERC
Yes, our Careers Advisors are impartial and can give you advice on your child’s career options.
We have a page on our website just for parents.
Fees are applicable for all HE courses. The rate of fees that you pay will depend upon where you live. Northern Ireland domiciled students can apply for a loan for tuition fees, a maintenance loan for living costs and a non-repayable maintenance grant (for lower income households).
For further information please visit: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Students from England, Scotland and Wales will pay a higher rate of tuition fees and should contact the agencies below for further information on the support available:
- Student Finance England (in England) www.gov.uk/student-finance
- Student Awards Agency for Scotland (in Scotland) www.saas.gov.uk
- Student Finance Wales (in Wales) www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
For more information please visit our Fees & Finance section or view our Fees Policy
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) states that, UK GDPR provides the following rights for individuals, which the College is complaint with:
- The Right to be informed;
- The Right of access:
- The Right to rectification;
- The Right to erasure;
- The Right to restrict processing;
- The Right to data portability;
- The Right to object;
- Rights in relation to automated decision-making and profiling.
SERC is now recruiting students for a new fully funded intensive programme. The Flexible Skills Fund has been established to help upskill and reskill individuals to meet the needs of the economy as we emerge from the pandemic and continue to grow the economy beyond it.
The 'SKILL UP' programme is accessible to all groups - those in employment and those unemployed. The programme seeks to encourage participants from various socio-economic, academic and non-academic backgrounds. Participants are able to avail of free courses and accredited qualifications, which will improve their skills, benefitting their employment opportunities and enhancing Northern Ireland’s continuously growing and diversifying economy.
The eligibility criteria below applies to all potential applicants:
- over 18 years of age;
- eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years;
- or is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
For full details and a list of courses please visit https://serc.ac.uk/skillup
FOI:
Section 12 of FOIA allows the College to refuse a request if the cost of compliance would exceed the appropriate limit of £450. Compliance factors can include:
- Complying in entirety, or
- Confirm/deny if the information is held.
The estimate must be always reasonable.
The limit of £450 is calculated at £25 per hour, regardless of the grade of staff member(s) who would be involved in the response. If the cost to determine the following 4 points exceeds £450, the Section 12 exemption is engaged.
- Determining whether the information is held
- Locating information, or a document containing it
- Retrieving the information, or document containing it
- Extracting the information from a document containing it
Where the cost exemption has been exceeded, the College may exercise its duty to ‘advise and assist’ to help the individual reformulate their request so that the maximum limit is not reached.
EIR:
Regulation 8 allows the College can charge a discretionary amount to make environmental information available. The charge must be reasonable and not exceed the cost of providing that information.
Where a charge is made, the College must provide a schedule of charges and provide the individual with details on how to make the payment in advance of the information being released.
A public authority shall not make any charge for allowing an applicant:
- to access any public registers or lists of environmental information held by the public authority; or
- To examine the information requested at the place which the public authority makes available for that examination.
The College must allow 60 working days for receipt of payment. While this process is underway, the time for response is paused until such payment is made.
The College is committed to transparency regarding its business activities however, the law does allow the College to withhold information if certain criteria are met e.g., where withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Please note, ‘Public Interest’ is defined as information which will benefit the public and which they should be aware of.
All requests will be carefully assessed before such a decision is made and where information is withheld, a Refusal Notice will be provided.
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the Regulator for GDPR, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, and environmental Information legislation. They provide advice and guidance to both the public and organisations in relation to the legislation.
The College regularly communicates with the ICO and refers to their guidance to demonstrate a high standard of compliance with legislation.
Click here for the ICO homepage Home | ICO
If an individual is not happy with how the College has handled their request or exceptions applied to the response, they have the right to request an internal review. Appeals should be submitted within 2 weeks of receipt of their response (40 days for EIR) detailing reasons for dissatisfaction and should be addressed to:
Records Manager
SERC, Bangor Campus
Castle Park Road
Bangor
Co Down
BT20 4TD
The College will convene an independent panel of staff who will then examine the initial request/response, for appeal and review if there are areas for improvement and whether the College can reconsider releasing information originally withheld. If you remain unhappy with the outcome, you can contact the Information Commissioners Officer at:
ICO
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow, Cheshire
SK9 5AF
If you are unhappy with the College’s response to your Subject Access Request, please let us know by emailing informationrights@serc.ac.uk or addressing a letter to the Records Manager.
If you remain unhappy with the College’s response to your Subject Access Request, please contact the Information Commissioner at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
The College welcomes all means of support for our students however we must also comply with GDPR and the Data Protection Act (2018) which regulates how we process personal data, including any disclosures about our students. This applies to all student information, even if they are under the age of 18.
The College is unable to discuss student information with anyone unless the student has provided this consent on their student account or where an individual has legal responsibility for a vulnerable adult. During application and enrolment, the student is given opportunity to provide this consent and the name of the person to whom we can discuss their information with.
In an emergency e.g., where we have concerns about the life, health, and welfare of the student, we will make contact with the person identified as the ‘Emergency Contact’ on the student’s account.
While the College may not be able to discuss information with you, students can access their student profile from home, and this will contain their timetable, attendance register and various other aspects of their progress at the College.
Staff can answer any questions you may have about College processes e.g. EMA, Application process, Learning Support provision, and we have a suite of policies and procedures available on our website for your information.
If your certificate is available for collection you will receive a communication from us to advise you. For any queries in the interim contact exams@serc.ac.uk.
Applications for travel passes are now online. Please apply at this link: https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/school-transport/further-education. For any queries please contact the Education Authority directly on 028 9056 6200.
EMA is a means tested fund available for Full-Time students continuing in Further Education who meet the eligibility criteria. To access a downloadable application form, guidance notes and to find out if you are eligible please visit www.nidirect.gov.uk.
Hard copy application packs are available at campus receptions. Alternatively we can post a pack to you. Please email info@serc.ac.uk to request an EMA pack.
EMA applications for 2021/22 close on 31 March 2022.
The LRCs opening times are as follows:
Bangor and Newtownards:
- Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm
- Friday: 9am – 3:30pm
Lisburn and Downpatrick:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:45am – 5pm
- Friday: 8:45am – 3:30pm
All LRCs are closed outside term time.
We also provide a Virtual Library of E-Resources and E-Books
You can contact us at lrc@serc.ac.uk or use the web form Ask a Librarian