Driving to Success puts Participants at Wheel for their Future

SERC, in partnership with the Department for Communities and Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal, are inviting participants to sign up to their Driving to Success programme which includes free driving lessons as part of an innovative course to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

SERC’s Tatiana Seed said, “Driving to Success is a unique and innovative local project which aims to engage with people from the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area to equip them with practical skills and knowledge to improve their employability."   

She added, “This short-term part-time programme, commencing 28 April 2022, offers individuals who are unemployed and underemployed, an opportunity to gain new practical skills and achieve nationally recognised qualifications in IT, Personal Development, Career Planning and Health and Social Care."

 “Participants, aged eighteen and over, will also be put in the driving seat and will be given the opportunity to pick up the pace on their own careers with free driving lessons leading to obtaining a full car driving licence."   

She continued, “Since 2012, over 250 participants have completed Driving to Success. Many students tell us that participation on the programme has helped them build their confidence, boost their self-esteem and motivation alongside acquire new relevant and practical skills.   Following completion of the course, many feel they have the confidence to continue their education at SERC."

Project participants who successfully completed the programme, highly recommend the project to others who want to improve their lives and make a positive change. Community projects like Driving to Success engage with people in their local area and support them to make a difference for themselves and to transform their community. Driving to Success 2022-23 is delivered by SERC in conjunction with the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and funded by the Department for Communities. All participants must be residents of the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Driving to Success at SERC should contact Tatiana Seed at SERC on 028 4461 1514 or email tseed@serc.ac.uk Application forms are also available at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus Reception.  

Pictured above (L- R) Driving to Success participant, David Spiers with, Tatiana Seed Course Coordinator, and James McClements, Driving Instructor, Isle Drive Driving School.