RJ is Getting Retail Ready at SERC

 Ryan Johnston, is getting retail ready on the Level 2 Retail NI Traineeship at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus.

Ryan (21), known as RJ, progressed to SERC from De La Salle.   He said, “When I first came to SERC I was on the Skills for Life course and then completed the Skills for Catering Level 1.   This was just before the first lockdown due to the pandemic, so it was all a bit disrupted.   Now that things have settled, I have progressed to the Level 2 Retail NI Traineeship which is great."

RJ said, “I am enjoying learning about all the different aspects of retail and have been on placement at LCCL (Life Change Changes Life) in the town where I have been involved in sales.”

The young man who has a keen interest in current affairs added, “It’s not all study at SERC but you find you are progressing all the time.   I have been able to achieve my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award through SERC which has been fantastic.   I have also been involved in a student enterprise.   My class made folding book pieces which we sold at the fairs held in the College throughout the year.”

RJ concluded, “I found out about SERC from the Careers Advisor at my school and then I came along to an open evening. The tutors at SERC are lovely and I have nice class mates.   My advice to others thinking of progressing to SERC is to keep your options open.   Find out what you can do and prepare yourself.” 

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 T-skills such as communication, problem solving and teamwork.”  

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