Fire and Security Apprentice Ready for Heat at WorldSkills UK Finals

 A  SERC apprentice is preparing for the heat of competition at the WorldSkills UK Finals in Manchester from 14 – 17 November.

Jack Matthews (22), a third year Level 3 Fire and Security Systems Apprentice employed by SIA Fire and Security, is one of three apprentices from the College who have reached the WorldSkills UK Finals.   The competition is often referred to as the ‘Olympics of Skills’, given the calibre of participants.

Jack, who left a degree programme to take up an apprenticeship is delighted to be taking part.   He said, “I followed my GCSEs with A-Levels and then took up a degree in housing studies but with two years completed and two more to do, I made the difficult decision to leave the course.   It was during Covid and with everything online, I just knew it wasn’t for me and it certainly didn’t match my style of learning.   I decided to look for employment and had my mind set on an apprenticeship, as I knew it would give me both employment and qualifications. I secured a position with SIA and through the company enrolled on the Level 3 Fire and Security Apprenticeship NI at SERC.

He added, “I haven’t looked back since making the switch.   My day-to-day role means I am out working and learning on the job with an engineer, my mentor.   No two days are the same - I could be working on a routine maintenance job in a residential setting one day or completing work for a commercial contract the next, and I work all over the country.

“The apprenticeship route means you are at work four days a week and then in college for one day a week. I like the mix of work and study and the fact that I am continually progressing my qualifications and keeping up with industry standards. Jack, who took part in several competitions this past year including Skillbuild NI and the International Fire & Security Exhibition Competition (IFSEC) in London, is looking forward to the next competition.  

He said, “It will be exciting to take part in the WorldSkills UK Final. I have had great support and mentoring for the competition both from my employer and through the team here at SERC.  There is a bit of a learning curve and you do have to push your skill set further all the time, but it is all knowledge and experience which is useful for work and keeping up with the apprenticeship.   I am delighted to be representing my employer SIA and SERC in this prestigious event.”

Good luck to Jack, and fellow apprentices,  Jamie and Matthew, for the competition next week!