Nail Services course at SERC sparks career inspiration for mature student Mandy

With a drive to better herself and learn new skills, South Eastern Regional College (SERC) student Mandy Probert has unlocked exciting career ideas through the Level 2 and Level 3 Nail Services courses at the college’s Bangor Campus.

Mandy (53), from Newtownards says:

“Before coming to SERC, I moved around quite a lot and worked in various jobs, as my husband was in the army. After we split and I came back to Northern Ireland, I decided I wanted to do some courses in areas that interested me. I had been volunteering with a domestic and sexual violence helpline at the time, so I started off with a course in counselling, and then did a few more courses after this. One day I was deciding what I wanted to do next, and by chance I saw an advert online for a nail kit, and I thought this would be something interesting to do as a course and to learn more about. I went into SERC and got speaking to Michelle Allport-Bell about the part-time course for Level 2 Nail Services, but I ended up enrolling on the full-time course in September 2021.”

She continues, “In September 2022, I continued on to the Level 3 Nail Services course, and I would say my favourite thing about it so far has been getting to meet staff and students and forming new friendships. The college has great support systems, facilities, and valuable staff members who always look out for my best interests and make the overall experience incredible. I have enjoyed getting lots of experience in the salon and also taking part in project based learning this year. We hosted a health and wellbeing day last term to give beauty and nail treatments to staff members, which was very enjoyable and a great chance to showcase my expertise.”

Mandy reflected on the future saying, “I am going to try and start advertising to get my own business and clientele set up, but I am also open to doing the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course in September. If I could say anything to a person who is considering doing this course at SERC it would be, what’s stopping you? My experience has been amazing and I would encourage anyone to apply for a course at the college. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can achieve anything at any age, and SERC is the best place to explore your interests!”