NIAW23 - Apprenticeship Leads to Career Change for Mark

Mark, from Magheralin, is completing a Level 2 Heavy Vehicle apprenticeship with SERC and is employed by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC).  He said, “I had worked with Translink for over 12 years, but I wanted to try something new.  I still have over 27 years work ahead of me, so I viewed retraining as short-term pain for a longer-term gain. When I heard about the apprenticeship opportunities with LCCC, I applied and successfully secured a post and haven’t looked back. 

He added, “I am now part of a great team in Operational Services with the Council, and we are responsible for maintaining varied fleet vehicles and machinery from lawnmowers to bin lorries. 

“No two days are the same, the work is varied and there are new challenges and learning, so every day I am continually building my skills. 

“Obviously, I am the eldest in the class when I come to SERC one day a week, but we are all in the same boat in terms of the apprenticeship. I am seen as a ‘daddy’ figure amongst my classmates, but it’s all good craic. I gave the youngsters a run for their money recently when I came first in the College Heavy Vehicle Competition, which I was delighted about and coming top was a real boost to my confidence. 

Mark added, “My family all think it is great that I have taken the plunge to change career and go back and do something that I really want to do.  If someone was thinking they were too old to start an apprenticeship, I would say, think how long you have to work for before you decide.  It’s better to be doing something you want to do and enjoy for the next 20 plus years.” 

SERC is hosting Have a Go Sessions for potential apprentices 4.30pm to 7.00pm at  Downpatrick Campus -  Thursday 9 February.  

Visit https://www.serc.ac.uk/NI-Apprenticeship-Week-2023 to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.