Career for Patrick reaches new heights through SERC

Colleges Week is an annual campaign organised by the Association of Colleges. Now in its fifth year, the campaign presents a focus for colleges across the UK to celebrate everything we do. This week, from 17 – 21 October, we will be sharing profiles and stories from past and present students and staff at SERC on our website and socials. Find out how SERC is inspiring the next generation, turning ambitions into reality and getting people back on track for learning and a career.  #LoveOurColleges #BetterOffAtSERC

Finding your footing after moving to a different country can be challenging, but Patrick Jimenéz Morgan was inspired to unlock his career ambitions during his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services course (now Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services) at SERC.

Patrick (21), originally from Barcelona, Spain, relocated to Northern Ireland in 2020 after completing his E.S.O. qualifications. Originally planning to continue his education doing A Levels at Belfast Met, Patrick opted instead for the Public Services course at SERC Bangor, having a keen interest in emergency services and how they operated.

Patrick says: “In my first year, Covid restrictions were in place which forced everyone to start learning online and outdoor activities were postponed or cancelled. Fortunately, in my second year, we got to visit many different locations in Northern Ireland as part of the outdoor unit, which involved both land and water-based activities. A memorable trip for me was a week-long trip to Ballykinler, where my class got to experience the military lifestyle. I also really enjoyed the planning and management unit of the course, which involved having to co-ordinate an emergency response to a potential major incident for a class exercise.”

Following his time at SERC, Patrick secured a job as an Operations Supervisor at Belfast City Airport, where he is responsible for co-ordinating the entire airside operations.

Patrick added: “My course in Public Services prepared me immensely for employment. I learnt leadership and teamwork skills which makes a huge difference in how I approach my current role. I feel more comfortable with taking initiative and creating action plans at my job because of what I was taught at SERC. With being part of the emergency response plan at Belfast City Airport, I am now familiar with emergency response plans and how each public service has its role in the event of an emergency. I never expected to use these skills in my job, which proves that no matter what course you are doing, you will always use your skills down the line.”

When asked if he would recommend SERC to anyone considering further or higher education, Patrick said: “I had a positive experience at SERC and would recommend anyone to get involved with the college if they are interested in continuing their education. SERC has a fantastic support system which facilitates the learning process, and a high standard of teaching which students can really benefit from. Having moved from Spain, I was treated like any other student by both my teachers and classmates, therefore I would highly encourage anyone to sign up for a course that they like.”

“I am grateful to all the staff at SERC for the support they have provided, and the opportunity to springboard into a career which I enjoy. I have no regrets choosing to study at SERC.”

Find out more about the Uniformed Protective Services course at SERC.