Part Time Course at SERC Helps Gnanam with Career Change

With a career switch from a private jazz tutor to a support worker, SERC student Gnanam Samuel has found balance through the part time HNC Social and Community Work Course at the Newtownards campus, helping her progress in her new career route.

Gnanam, (43) says,

“I graduated from the University of Middlesex in 2011 with a jazz degree and worked as a private jazz tutor until the pandemic in 2020. When things moved online with Covid, I didn’t like the change to online learning and the lack of one-to-one teaching, so I decided to try something different. This led to me getting a new job as a support worker, helping children and adults with learning difficulties.

“I first heard about the HNC Social and Community Work course at SERC through a colleague who had completed the course. I was interested to find out how it could help me progress in my role, so I got more information and applied on the part time route.”

She continues, “My experience at SERC so far has been good. There is a great atmosphere around the campus, and I enjoy my classes where I can learn more about the systems behind social work, the different types of legislation, and see how this brings real aspects to life. The staff on campus are very welcoming, and my tutor Jenni is very supportive, making it a nice place to be."

Offering advice for potential students, Gnanam says, “If you are interested in this course, you have to be prepared for a lot of work, but it is definitely worthwhile in terms of giving you good skills for the future. When I complete my course, I would like to continue my studies, progress in my job, and eventually complete a post graduate diploma at the Open University.”

Learning Never Stops with a part-time course at SERC. Visit www.serc.ac.uk  #BetterOffAtSERC.