Mentor-Led College Connect helps kick start training opportunity for young people at SERC Downpatrick & Newtownards Campuses

SERC is calling for participants for a programme aimed at 16-24-year olds who are not in employment, education or training thanks to funding from the European Social Fund.

College Connect is a one-year mentor led programme which provides participants the opportunity to undertake a Level 1 qualification with the aim of progressing into Further Education or employment. Participants over 18 years old in receipt of Job Seekers allowance will be allowed to retain their benefit for the duration of the programme.

Barbara McNeill, Head of School, Training, at SERC said, “We know how difficult it is for young people to find a route into training or education if they have been unemployed and out of school for a while.  College Connect is a relatively new programme which will help those aged 16 – 24 to kick start some training which could lead on to further education or employment in the catering and hospitality or building and construction industry.

She added, “Participants will have a personal mentor to help and support them throughout the qualification which can help address any barriers to their success. The course will commence in September 2019 for one year.   This is a chance for a fresh start to gain literacy and numeracy skills, as well as the opportunity to achieve an OCN Level 1 in Vocational Skills in either Catering and Hospitality (Downpatrick Campus) or Building and Construction (Newtownards Campus).

Finally, she said, “On successful completion of the course, participants can expect to be more employable thanks to enhanced personal development skills, valuable hands on experience, improved interview experience, CV writing ability all backed up with a Level 1 vocational qualification which will give them options for progression.”

There are no formal qualifications required but applicants should have an interest in the sector area they choose to follow at Downpatrick or Newtownards Campuses.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in College Connect please call Cathy Robinson on 07825347051 or email cathyrobinson@serc.ac.uk or Orla Higgins ohiggins@serc.ac.uk