Dean Returns to SERC to Share Road to Success

Dean Miller, from Newtownards, returned to SERC to talk to students about his exciting new job with AECOM.  

Dean, came to SERC following his GCSEs to study on the BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment, gaining Triple Distinction One Star on completion.  

He said, “I decided to come to SERC after my GCSEs as I had heard about the course and knew it would give me plenty of choices in terms of study and career path and I haven’t been disappointed.   

He added, “The course at SERC was great. As well as learning from lecturers who had worked in the industry, I had the opportunity to go to Malta to experience civil engineering in Europe and to get my foot in the door at AECOM through the College. Right now I am a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and am employed as an Apprentice under the Work+ scheme in the Water Team at AECOM. I am working full time and studying to complete a Foundation Degree/Higher Level Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.    

He continued, “I am currently working on six different projects, ranging from a coastal path to a forest walk.   I am convinced that my BTEC qualification from SERC has helped me prepare to manage the projects as we often had several assignments to work on at the one time.   Dean gave a short presentation to current Level 3 students about his career path to date.

He said, “I recommend the route I have taken for anyone who is considering a career in civil engineering.   I am earning whilst I am learning and don’t have any worries about university fees.   Every day, I am meeting people and clients connected with the industry and from my first day I have been learning how the job really works.   You can’t learn everything from a textbook, it is only when you are out there you see real problems and how to solve them.  

Dean offered one final piece of advice to the students, “Make sure you find out about the role and are committed. The work is both demanding and challenging but very rewarding.”