Good Luck to WorldSkillsUK and IFSEC Competitors

Good luck to SERC students who will be taking part in national competitions this week.

Joanne Barlow 

Joanne Barlow (26) from Dromara is currently enrolled on the Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionary course at SERC after successfully completing the Level 2 Professional Bakery.  

Joanne is representing Northern Ireland at the National Finals of the WorldSkillsUK for the Confectionery title, which will be hosted in the City of Glasgow, 17 – 19 November.     Joanne said, “I have progressed from the Level 2 to the Level 3 in Patisserie and Confectionery and have loved every minute of the courses. One of my favourite elements of the course has been sugar-craft and I have started selling pieces through Facebook which I hope to continue to develop."   

She added, “I am delighted to have made it through to the next stage of the competition. There is tremendous support and encouragement at the College to hone your skills and talent and I love what I am doing.” 

Her original plans to become a pilot, came to a halt due to the impact of Covid on the airline industry when her training contract with a major airline was terminated so, finding herself with no job, no training and no real direction, she came up with a plan B and enrolled at SERC. 

Speaking about Joanne, Lecturer Ruth Doherty said, “We are very proud of Joanne and everything she has achieved to date.   She is very calm and organised and is keen to learn, develop and practise her skills. We wish her the very best for the competition.”     

Peter Smylie 

Peter Smylie (22) a Level 3 Fire & Security Apprentice from Moria will be representing South Eastern Regional College at the WorldSkillsUK for the Electronic Security Systems title which will be hosted in Warrington from 17 – 19 November. 

Peter, who progressed from the Level 2 to the Level 3 Fire & Security Apprenticeship is employed by Lisburn based firm, Beacon Fire & Security.  

Peter said, “I have been working away on install jobs which is good practical work for getting up to speed for the competition.   I am looking forward to taking part and to represent the College and Beacon, who have been fantastic with support in terms of allocating time for training and providing great product support."  

Adam Smylie

Adam Smylie (24), also a Level 3 Fire & Security  Apprentice, and brother of Peter, is through to the finals of the equally prestigious IFSEC National Competition.   He is also employed by Lisburn based Beacon Fire & Security.  Adam will be heading to Warrington, from 17 – 19 November to compete for a win which will secure a place in the WorldSkills Final.

Adam said, “Taking part in competitions of this nature is something special to have on your CV for work in the industry and I would encourage others to think about taking part.”

Robin Hamill, Fire & Security Lecturer at SERC said, “Peter and Adam have put a lot of work into their  portfolios, College work and activities.   They are very contentious and supportive of other students and potential students entering the industry. They are they the only representatives from Northern Ireland in this category and we wish them both every success.”