Returning to Education is the Stepping Stone to New Beginnings for Laura

Making the step to return to education after almost ten years, was a big decision for South Eastern Regional College (SERC) student Laura Caldwell, who has since reached her goals and progressed in her career, with the help of the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice at the college’s Bangor campus.

Laura (29) from Belfast says, “I did my GCSEs and A Levels at school and then did a course in Business Administration at Belfast Metropolitan College. Following this, I got a job at a recruitment agency where I worked for nine years, and during this time, I did some work in Human Resources and became interested in learning some background knowledge about it.

“I had been looking at courses online and found the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice at SERC, but I didn’t apply straight away because I was pregnant with my second child. After going back and forth about applying, I decided while I was on maternity leave that I wanted to do something for myself, so I applied for the course starting in September last year. I had originally planned to study at the Lisburn campus, but the course had already been filled and there were spaces in Bangor, so I was steered in the right direction by the course tutor, Heather Dunn who takes the course there.”

She continues, “Before I started SERC, it was nerve wracking for me because I had been out of education for so long, but as soon as I came in through the doors, and even at reception, everyone was so welcoming. My course was great, and I always looked forward to going into class on a Tuesday evening knowing there were people who were interested in doing the same things as me. It was lovely to be in a group of people who have the same mindset as you, and who want to better themselves. Even after a bad day at work, I always left the college in such a better mood than before – I’ll really miss the course!”

Speaking on her tutor, Laura says, “Heather was brilliant and always offered her support and guidance whenever you need it. At the start of every class, she would always ask how our week was going, and she was always there to listen to you, as well as help you with assignments. In my previous job, I had started to feel stuck after being there for such a long time that I was almost afraid to leave, but Heather gave me the confidence to put myself out there and look for something new. I recently secured a job in the Human Resources department of Simon Communities N.I. and she was absolutely delighted for me. Her support was so lovely, and she has been a star.”

Concluding, Laura says, “My next step is continue on to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, either at the Lisburn or Bangor campus. To anyone who is considering doing this course, I would encourage them to just go for it! It has been brilliant and has helped me get a new job in something I enjoy, so it will definitely open doors for anyone else who wants to progress.”    

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