NIAW23 - Preparing Electrical Apprentices for Continually Changing Industry

With over 10 years electrical industry experience under his belt, SERC Lecturer, Philip Bonny is keen to share the latest teaching methods and apps with his apprentices. Philip says, “Having come through the apprenticeship route myself, in one of the campuses I now teach certainly adds to what you bring to the classroom.  The students appreciate that you understand what it is like onsite for them and value the experience and knowledge that you can bring from industry.   When they come back to the classroom they also share and learn from each other as they get to grips with the theory that underpins their course.  The electrical programmes are very competitive, and our apprentices want to be there which makes teaching and learning so much easier for everyone. 

He added, “I completed my NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation course in Downpatrick back in 2019 and then went on to do a Level 4 HNC in Building Services at SRC Portadown. I came back to SERC in 2021 to complete a Level 5 in Leadership & Management. Currently I am doing a Certificate In Teaching at the University of Ulster which will be followed by a PGCE next year all being well.    

I have worked onsite in the electrical industry for over ten years in domestic and industrial settings and so bring all that installation, PAT testing, and my area of expertise, inspection & testing experience to the College.   

I took up a part-time lecturer position in SERC in 2019 before moving to full-time in 2021.   I really enjoy the teaching and I like to think my enthusiasm and a practical approach to the subjects I teach, has a positive impact on the students.    

He added “Teaching styles and methods are always developing so I believe teaching in ten years will look very different to what it looks like today, perhaps with even more online learning. In the same way, the electrical industry is continually changing and with the world’s transition to more environmentally friendly electric vehicles, there will huge demand for people with the skills, knowledge and experience to install chargers and service vehicles.      

Philip concluded, “The good thing about this sector is that everyone who works in it knows, and expects, to continually upskill. It is an exciting time to be in the sector helping to prepare apprentices for careers in a continually changing environment.”     

SERC offers electrical related Apprenticeships in Electrical Installation, Automated Entrance Systems, Fire & Security Systems and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems.    

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

Meet lecturers at our Have a Go session for potential apprentices 4.30 – 7.00pm, Downpatrick Campus - Thursday 9 February.