Lisa Builds Towards Career Upgrade on SERC Engineering Course

Pearson BTEC HNC in Engineering (General) student Lisa McBride, (46), from Bangor is studying towards a new job in her company while studying at South Eastern Regional College (SERC). 

Lisa completed her GCSEs at what is now Bangor Academy before entering the world of work at 16 years old. She has been working at Denroy Plastics, a leading specialist in custom injection moulding, for the past 30 years. She currently works as a Quality Specialist but has dreams of progressing her career within her work in a more engineering focused direction. She decided to enrol at SERC on the Part-Time Pearson BTEC HNC in Engineering (General) course to upskill and further her career opportunities in the direction she wants.  

On her course, Lisa said, “I've enjoyed the course so far. I was nervous at first about coming back to education after being in the world of work for so long, but the transition back to studying was very clean thanks to the lecturers; they are very good at making the classwork engaging and they’ve helped me a lot throughout the course. 

“We learn about a broad range of topics on the course, especially relating to electrical and mechanical sciences. The topics include mechatronics, pneumatics, electronics, different materials and their applications, electrical circuits and robotics. A lot of the topics are beneficial for my work too, in particular learning about plastic materials and robotic automation. The next year of the course involves project-based learning, and I can’t wait to start my own practical project.” 

On what she wants to do after the course, Lisa comments, “After this course I want to move into a different role in work – I currently work as a Quality Specialist, but I would like to become a Quality Engineer, so the course is helping me with all the relevant engineering skills I need.” 

Lisa concludes, “If you are thinking about doing this course, I would say go for it. I’ve already recommended the College to my youngest son who is finishing his A-Levels. It’s close to home, the lecturers and facilities are good, and the courses are informative. Overall, it’s a great place to study and for any potential mature students out there - it's never too late learn.” 

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.