Invitation to Have a Go Sessions at SERC

Potential students and parents are invited to come along to Campuses during NI Apprenticeship Week (NIAW) 6 – 10 February, to find out what an apprenticeship entails at one of our Have a Go sessions.

Victoria Boyd, Training Programmes Manager at SERC said “Our Have a Go sessions, will showcase the range of opportunities and skills for apprentices using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technologies and our Apprenticeship Development Managers will be on hand to answer any queries about the apprenticeship route." So,  if you have ever wanted to try your hand at mechanics, hairdressing, catering, plumbing, construction, electrics or engineering, (click the links below to see what subject areas will be available at each location) and like the idea of earning money while you learn, plan to come along to a ‘have a go’ session from 4.30pm to 7.00pm.   

Lisburn Campus - Monday 6 February;
Bangor Campus -Tuesday 7 February;
Newtownards Campus - Wednesday 8 February, and 
Downpatrick Campus - Thursday 9 February.

Victoria added, “SERC partners with 750 employers to support over 1,300 Apprentices.   Enrolments for apprenticeships through the College have grown by 10% in 22/23 on the previous year. Working with industry, we continue to grow the skills range on offer through the apprenticeship route, from accountancy to pharmacy services, and starting from September 2023 we will offer new Higher-Level Apprenticeships (HLA) in Cloud Management and Cyber Security. In recognition of the employer partner support enjoyed by the College, our celebrations for NIAW will also include an invitation thank you breakfast and networking event." 

NIAW, led by the Department for the Economy (DfE), is an annual week-long celebration which aims to showcase apprenticeships. Building on the resurgence in apprenticeship numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic, the week aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships across Northern Ireland and showcase how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices and businesses.

The Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2023 follow on from the Week and  take place on Wednesday 29 March 2023.   Level 3 SERC Apprentice Lauren Johnston won the Apprentice Award in 2022 and the College is delighted to be finalist for two Awards in the Small to Medium Enterprises category in partnership with Turkington Windows and Conservatories, and also, in partnership with  Greenview Gas.

Watch out for features on SERC apprentices. lecturers and employers during NI Apprenticeship on our website and socials.

NI Apprenticeship Week at SERC.

Find out more about apprenticeships on offer at SERC.

Main Picture (L – R) Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprentice, Orlaigh Rice (18, Dromara), employed by Felix O’Hare Contractors; Level 3 Land Based Engineering Apprentice Isaac Harper (18, Saintfield) employed by Tony Patterson Sports Grounds; and, Level 3 Land Based Engineering Apprentice Shea Cunningham (20, Dromore) employed by Johnston Gilpin, Ravernet.