Andrew One Step Closer to Dream Career with Social and Community Work Course

Pearson BTEC HNC in Social and Community Work (Social and Community Work Practice) student Andrew Bettes, (28) from Newtownards, is on the pathway to his dream career through his course at SERC.

After completing his degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Ulster University, Andrew knew he wanted to work as a probation officer. However, aspiring probation officers also require a social work degree before they can enter the role. Andrew did some research online and determined SERC was right for him, as the Pearson BTEC HNC in Social and Community Work (Social and Community Work Practice) offered at the college is a pathway to study a social work degree at Queens University. Andrew also chose SERC as he already knew what to expect, having completed a Level 3 Access Diploma in Foundation Studies course, before progressing to Ulster University.  

Andrew comments, “The support the tutors give you through the different levels of the course is fantastic and the course itself is well-structured. On the course you get first-hand knowledge from people who have worked in the social work sector, who are able to lend their experience and expertise to the learning material during class.   

“I've enjoyed all the course modules. My favourite topics so far are learning about mental health and understanding human behaviour. We learn to identify the appropriate preventative or crisis intervention services to help service users, as well as about different models of care that have impacts on human health and how to help people at different stages in life."   

On what he wants to do after his course, Andrew comments, “I want to go on to do the two-year, fast-track relevant degree in Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast, with the long-term goal of becoming a probation officer to help with the rehabilitation of offenders.” 

“I would encourage people to do this course, especially if you want to go on to uni. The help I’ve received in preparing for my UCAS application interviews has been next to none. I felt really prepared going into the UCAS interviews because of this, with lots of practice interviews beforehand to help me with the process. The SERC support services overall are outstanding too, such as Learning Support, who can get you extra time for deadlines depending on your circumstances.” 

Andrew concluded, “I would absolutely recommend SERC, no matter where you are in the education process. The course has increased my prospects of getting on to my desired degree course and puts me one step closer to my dream job. The qualifications and skills you walk away with will be with you for life. My experience has been invaluable.” 

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.