Return to SERC puts Jamie on the path to promotion at work

A work placement during his business course led one SERC student to a career in health and social care – and now he has returned to the college to continue his lifelong learning journey.    Jamie Miller (44), from Newtownards, is currently undertaking a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA), which includes studying for a Level 5 Diploma for Leadership in Health and Social Care.  

Jamie has been employed by a charity for more than twenty years but also has experience of a range of industries. He explains:  

“After school, I started at a plant nursery, then worked in hospitality, first as a kitchen porter and then, with training I became a commis chef and then a chef de partie. I was in charge of a restaurant kitchen in Newtownards, but that business was sold, and I ended up using my knife skills with a job at the local abattoir. That really wasn’t for me, and it prompted me to look for training to change my career.”  

Researching the possibilities at SERC, his local college, Jamie was glad to find a business administration course which suited him, and which included a work placement.   He says, "I was placed in the office of Prospects, a charity working with people with learning disabilities. I liked it there, but they didn’t have any permanent administration positions available when I finished. However, they invited me to come and see what working with clients was like. My main role during my work placement was office-based, or helping to organise conferences, but I had seen the clients coming through and everything that was done for them.  I tried out the services role and that was 21 years ago, and I have been there ever since!  

“The charity is now called Shaftesbury. I have done a few jobs over the years: support worker, team leader and I have acted up as practice manager, but I needed more qualifications to be able to progress to the role permanently.”  

Jamie found himself back at SERC, initially taking a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care part-time alongside his job.   He is now spending a day a week at SERC Newtownards Campus as part of a Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care.   

Of his current course, he says: “I enjoy the research and building up my knowledge – despite my experience, it is good to refresh your knowledge and to learn new information too.  And the tutors at SERC are fantastic, so supportive and down to earth. Initially, I wasn’t sure that I would study beyond the Level 3 qualification, as I am also working and I have two small children.  However, once I got settled in with that course, the staff at SERC were very encouraging, and I also had a gentle push from my line manager who encouraged me to progress to a Higher-Level Apprenticeship and continue my learning through that route to gain a Level 5 Diploma."  

Jamie has his sights set on a promotion at work, perhaps to an area managerial role, so he knows that working towards his Level 5 qualification will be taken as evidence of both his ambition and of his commitment to improving his skillset.  

To anyone else wondering about returning to study to support their career plans, Jamie has some advice: “Just come along! It’s not as daunting as you may think. If you have need of additional support, you will find it at SERC. If you are struggling, you have only to ask for help. From the start, the staff are so friendly, and the wee class group is great, everybody gets on.  I would recommend SERC a hundred per cent.”

If you missed the NI Apprenticeship Week activities at SERC, you can browse our website and discover the opportunities available, and visit our Open Evening on Thursday 7 March, when you can talk to teaching staff and apprenticeship team.