Flexibility at SERC keeps Brooke on Track for Nursing

Moving on from secondary school can be challenging, but for Brooke Morgan (19), a little flexibility and a whole lot of support from her family, friends and the lecturing team at SERC, has kept her on track for her dream career in nursing.

Brooke (19), said, “I had my son Kobi (3) when I was finishing up at Dundonald High School.   I was keen to move on and I received a lot of support from my mum and dad to continue my education, so I came to SERC and did the Level 2 in Health and Social Care.   I loved the course, and the lecturing team were fantastic at keeping me on track and motivated.  As I had additional responsibilities, there was some flexibility to help me complete the course, with the tutors sending work home or making sure I was on top of everything so I could progress.   I had my GCSE Maths already and, whilst doing the Level 2 course, I was able to complete ICT and English.

Brooke added, “Once I complete the Level 2, I then progressed to the Level 3 in Health and Social Care and this September, I will be returning to SERC to do another year to top up to the Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.   This will give me the equivalent of three A-Levels, which means I will be able to apply to go onto university to study nursing or midwifery.

She continued, “I am also working part-time as a care assistant in a residential home.   It’s helping put a lot of what I did in the Level 3 course into practice and providing me with great experience for my CV and applications for higher education. Speaking about coming to study at SERC, Brooke said, “College is more practical and a bit more relaxed.   You still have to put the work in, and I am delighted I have been able to progress, so moving on from school has worked out for me.

“During the first two weeks of the academic year, everyone takes part in Enterprise Fortnight, where you work in teams to come up with a solution for a real-life issue.  Our team worked on an idea for an App, so as well as researching all the content for the App, you learn about Apps and marketing.   It’s a great way to immerse yourself into a new topic and get to know everyone on the course.

“My class also organised hampers for older people in the local community which we donated to Age NI for distribution.

Brooke concluded, “I couldn’t have got through the course without the support of my family, the College team, especially lecturer Nikki Rainey, and my best friend Nadia who is doing the same course.   We have known each other since primary school and it is great that we are studying together, keeping each other motivated and keeping our goals in sight.   I cannot believe we are nearly there!”

Apply now for courses commencing September 2023.