Megan’s Making Security Matter with an Apprenticeship

A young student who missed out on grades that she needed for one course of study found that further education helped her back on track, introducing her to the apprenticeship route and leading to a promising career in the alarm and security sector. 

Megan Davidson (21) from Belfast said, “I left school with 5 GCSE’s but didn’t have the grades to follow the exact electrical and electronic course I was interest in.   So I enrolled in a construction course in my local FE college where I was able to achieve the grades I needed in essential skills maths and English to take me forward. 

“It was whilst I was on placement that I got to meet an engineer at H & J Martin who mentioned the Apprenticeship in Security Systems – it sounded like the right course for me.   I secured an Apprenticeship with H & J Martin and undertook studies for it at SERC.   I am currently employed with SIA NI Ltd and have progressed from the Level 2 Security Systems to the Level 3 Security Systems Apprenticeship.   The opportunity to work, gain experience and get paid all at the same time certainly influenced my decision to follow the apprenticeship route. 

She added, “I enjoy the practical aspects of my training and the theory which supports my understanding    Having the Level 2 qualification and experience means I can go out on my own jobs installing fire systems, CCTV, intruder alarms and access control systems.   I get the opportunity to work with clients all over the country and can discuss their needs and recommend necessary upgrades to their systems. 

“I would recommend anyone interested in this apprenticeship to enrol in SERC for their studies.   Anyone who follows the Security Systems Apprenticeship programme at the College will receive excellent tuition, training, support and the encouragement to excel in all aspects of the course and within the industry.   I was encouraged to get involved in the National Fire & Security NI Competition, a two-person team event in which myself and my classmate, Aislinn came first, and the UK wide IFSEC in London where we came second.  My involvement in the competitions has been one of the highlights of my apprenticeship.   The encouragement from staff whilst preparing and during the competition is second to none and doing so well was a real confidence booster.  

As for plans, Megan said, “I hope to become a Senior Engineer.  That’s my career goal.  I would also like to enrol on and AutoCAD course so that I can design security systems and will have the skills to present the drawings required to meet current specifications – the learning never stops and there are plenty of opportunities for development for a career in this industry.” 

To find out more about SERC Apprenticeships Training and Apprenticeship Opportunities - SERC 

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