Former Health and Social Care students achieve nursing success

Two former Health and Social Care students from SERC recently returned to the Newtownards Campus to thank their tutors for setting them up for success.

Zoe Black from Bangor and Lisa Phillips from Saintfield both studied the Level 3 Health and Social Care course and returned to the College after successfully qualifying as nurses this year. The duo are set to graduate from Queen's University Belfast later in the year. The former students thanked their tutors for providing the education and training they needed for a successful career in the health industry. 

Former Victoria College pupil Zoe said “I left school shortly after starting my AS levels because the learning style didn’t fit me. I always wanted a career in the health industry, I just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.”

Lisa, also a former Victoria College pupil said “I left school after my GCSE’s because I didn’t get enough points to return to complete my A levels. I enjoyed school, but I knew I wanted to foucus on one area.” 

Throughout their course, both students completed over 300 hours of work experience as well as a personal development qualification which involved taking part in a range of activities, designed to improve their employability.

Zoe said “SERC set me up well for life at university. Thanks to work placements, assignment writing, Harvard referencing guidance and one to one learning support. The tutors always go above and beyond to help you when you needed it most and I couldn’t thank them enough.”

Lisa said “If it wasn’t for my tutors I wouldn’t have got my qualification and I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their support was incredible throughout the course and I thank them for everything they did for me.”

SERC health and social care lecturer Nikki Rainy said “Both Zoe and Lisa where fantastic students who were so keen to study and never afraid to ask questions. They were top of the class with distinctions across their assignments and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. It was great to see both students again and I wish them the very best for the future.”

SERC Head of School for Health, Early Years and Adult Education Michelle Devlin said “It is testimony to the high quality of teaching at SERC that we have so many students entering the health care industry. If people are interested in a career in social work, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or youth work they should consider studying at SERC.”

With growing pressure on young people to stay on at school and progress to university Zoe and Lisa were asked why they were #BetterOffAtSERC.

Zoe said “I was #BetterOffAtSERC because they set me up with the skills and qualities needed to succeed. They made me the nurse I am today. If considering a career in the health industry I highly recommend SERC.”

Lisa Said “I was #BetterOffAtSERC because I gained lots of experience through work placements which helped me secure my place at university. The tutors are fantastic, and I highly recommend studying at SERC.”