NI Traineeship Suits Gerard for Move to College

Moving on from school can be challenging, especially when you loved it! Such was the case for Gerard Blaney (21) from Downpatrick, but the young man was happy to progress.

Gerard said, “I loved Blackwater Integrated College but, like everyone I knew, I would be moving on after my GCSEs. Lots of people came to school to tell us about different options after Year 12, including someone from SERC. I was familiar with the College, as I did carpentry and plumbing and then mechanics and electrical engineering through the School Partnership Programme.”

He added, “When I left school, I started the NI Traineeship Level 1 in Retail at SERC and then decided to progress to the NI Traineeship Level 2 in Retail, also at the College.   I enjoyed learning about all the different areas of retail, and was most interested in sales and deliveries. I did my placement at the College Filling Station in Downpatrick.   The people are lovely to work with and it is always busy.”

Speaking about his involvement in other aspects of the College, Gerard said, “All the Retail students got involved in Enterprise at SERC and my team looked after the sales of plants and the birdhouses produced by other students.”

Speaking about his experience of progressing to the College, Gerard said, “I would advise potential students to come to SERC, find out what is on and apply.”

Gerard, who has a bit of a reputation for sorting out IT issues for his class said, “I like seeing everything I can do at SERC and my class is really nice.   The tutors, Rosemary and Paul, are great!”

Retail Lecturer Rosemary McMullan said, “Students on the NI Traineeship Retail course had placements this past year in local retail outlets, including the College Filling station, Savers, and with the Life Change Changes Life charity. They also enjoyed setting up ‘pop-up shops’ in the College  to raise funds for charities including the Food Bank and causes such as Ukrainian refugees.”

She added, “Units completed on the course include visual merchandising, the fashion market, stock replenishment and sustainability. Students also participated in several Project Based Learning activities such as setting up a Stock App, working with the College’s Enterprise team and collaborating with other students from different courses.   They found learning through interactive activities fun and engaging, but most importantly, it prepares the trainees for the world of work in the retail sector by equipping them with core vocational and personal skills such as communication, problem solving and teamwork.”

 Apply now for courses commencing September 2023. Unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.