Life-long learning is helping Julie keep aspirations in sight

Julie Prudhoe (53), from Cloughey on the Ards Peninsula, is completing the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Level 5 in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services part-time at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus.

Julie, a Compliance Officer, for Caremark, worked and studied for an NVQ Level 3 End of Life Care in England before moving to Northern Ireland.  Keen to progress their studies, Julie expressed an interest in the HLA Level 5 Leadership Health and Social Care with their employer who advised the course was available at SERC.

Having completed some of studies online during the pandemic, Julie said, “I applied online and just came along on day one to get on with the course.  It was that simple. I really enjoy coming into the College to study and I think I am a little bit more focussed.  There are less interruptions when you are here, in a classroom with like-minded people who are ready to learn.”

She continued, “The reason I wanted to do the Level 5 qualification is that someday I would like to open my own company.   In order to do that, you need to be a registered manager so that’s the pathway I am hoping to pursue.”

“The course has benefitted me in my day-to-day role as a Compliance Officer.  I do risk assessments for all the clients that come through Caremark. Being on the course has equipped me with a deeper understanding as I am noticing a lot more.” 

Julie concluded, “I am very much for life-long learning and education, so I would recommend the course and coming to SERC to do a higher-level qualification.   I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and the lecturer whom we can always ask for help and support if needed.”

If you're interested in learning more about the Level 5 in Leadership for  Health and Social Care Services or other part-time courses, come along to SERC on Wednesday 7 June between 5pm and 8pm at the College’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards or Newcastle Campus for our Adult Education Open Evening.