NIAW2023: Joinery Apprenticeship Gives David Fairly ‘World Skills’

David Fairley (23), from Dromore, completed his A Levels at Friends’ School Lisburn,  but didn’t quite fancy going to university. Following a gap year which involved working and travelling in Australia, he returned to Northern Ireland having decided that the hands-on, earn whilst you learn apprenticeship route offered the best pathway to match his ambitions. 

David who is employed by Heaney Interiors in Ballynahinch, completed his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery at SERC.  Speaking about the apprenticeship route he said, “One of the best things about the apprenticeship is that you are learning all the time, once you are skilled at one thing, you move on to something new, so you are building on your skills, and you soon have responsibility for doing your own work.  At Heaney’s we are involved in domestic and commercial fit outs as well as joinery and manufacturing kitchens.”

“I also have my own workshop at home, where I can perfect my skills making doors, planters, and bespoke commissions including a range of tables and furniture.   I especially like working with oak which is easy to work with and gives a good finish.”

The young man’s passion for joinery and hand-crafted furniture led to competition success when he beat off regional competitors to represent the College at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in November - a competition which was postponed in 2021 due to Covid.    WorldSkills competitions are recognised as the ‘Olympics for Skills’.

No stranger to success, David also secured first place at SERC’s annual Intercampus joinery competition and won Student of the Year for Carpentry and Joinery at the College’s annual Excellence Awards.

Speaking about his apprenticeship and long-term plans, he said, “Eventually, I’d like to become self-employed.   This means I would be able to do the bread-and-butter jobs but also have time to focus on the bespoke projects that interested me as well.” 

He concluded, “Having the apprenticeship joinery qualification is the first step in helping me realise my ambitions. I’d highly recommend my course and the apprenticeship route to others.”

SERC are hosting Have a Go Sessions for potential apprentices 4.30pm to 7.00pm at Lisburn Campus - Monday 6 February; Bangor Campus -Tuesday 7 February; Newtownards Campus - Wednesday 8 February, and Downpatrick Campus - Thursday 9 February.

Visit https://www.serc.ac.uk/NI-Apprenticeship-Week-2023 to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.