Changing Pathway Proved Best Decision for Ashleen

Moving on from school can be challenging, but for Ashleen Carvill, moving on to South Eastern Regional College (SERC) proved the best decision - ensuring both progression towards a qualification and the opportunity to gain valuable work experience for her chosen career path.

Ashleen (20), from Drumaness, said, “Following my GCSEs at St Malachy’s in Castlewellan, I started the first year of my A-Levels during Covid.   But after the second lockdown, I really didn’t like it and wasn’t progressing.   Although I didn’t want to leave my friends behind, I knew moving on to College was going to be better for me."

"The Special Education Needs Co-ordinator at St Malachy’s was a great support and helped me discover some of my options at SERC.  After a little bit of research, I came along to the college, with my mum, and met Grace Curran from the Learning Support Team and Liz Erwin, from the Early Years team who spoke to me about the Level 2 Traineeship in Children's Care, Learning and Development.   So, I enrolled, and it really didn’t take long to settle in.   My class was small, so I quickly made new friends and my confidence grew. Everyone was very supportive."  

She added, "After the Level 2, I progressed to the Level 3 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development.   I loved both programmes and was able to gain valuable work experience in a range of settings including pre-school playgroups, day care and primary schools.   Having the placement experience was also a real boost to my confidence and this helped me secure part-time work in the sector."

Ashleen continued, “Coming to SERC felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders.   I got to focus on the subject I loved and felt motivated to learn and build on my skills and experience.   I needed a little bit more support and that was there for me in the College.   Even my parents said I was more mature and happier, and they were happy that I was doing something I wanted to do and enjoyed."

Ashleen concluded, “I would recommend progressing to SERC.  There is a wide variety of courses and levels and routes for progression.  Now that I have successfully completed my Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, I am applying for jobs, but I know I will come back to top up my qualifications in the future.”

There is still time to apply for some full time programmes commencing this September.

Further Education, Traineeship and Apprenticeship Enrolment Days 22 and 23 August.