SERC Proved Just the Tonic for Danielle

Over the past few years’, we have heard about many people changing jobs and careers, and many have cited the pandemic and lockdowns as the catalyst for change.   One such person was Danielle Donnelly, who decided after the first lockdown that she needed a change.

Danielle (35) from Downpatrick said, “At school, I passed a number of GCSE’s but didn’t go on to do A-Levels.   Instead, I went to work as a care assistant and continued in that role since the age of 17."

She added, “After the first lockdown I realised I needed a change.  I knew if I didn’t make a move, I would never change career.   I secured a post working in a local bar, and it was my boss there who suggested I enrol in the Level 3 Food and Beverage Supervision at SERC.   I liked the sound of it and thought I would give it a go."

“I was nervous about coming back to college and was concerned about being an adult returner plus I had only been working in the hospitality sector for a year, but you soon fall into place as part of the class. Everyone is learning something new and there is great support and camaraderie from fellow students and from the tutors. I probably wouldn’t have got through the course without the support of my tutor, Sinead, she was such a great help."

 “Given that I was an older student with two children, attending college worked out well, as I was in class when the kids were at school.   We also had one evening class where you got to learn first-hand about working alongside chefs in a restaurant which was a brilliant learning opportunity."

Danielle added, “The course is interesting, and I took to it so well.   We got to visit restaurants in Belfast to learn about different styles of service.   We attend IFEX, the international food and hospitality exhibition and got to meet people who have worked in the hospitality sector for years, including my favourite, Gerry White, the man behind JawBox."

 “I had such a tremendous year, it really was amazing, and I cannot believe how much I packed into the past 12 months, all the experiences and learning has been brilliant.  I took a real interest in the cocktails part of the course and won best cocktail duo in the College competition.   This encouraged me to set up my own enterprise Danni’s Cocktails (on Facebook and Instagram), which involves me providing a bespoke cocktail making service for parties.  I would never have thought about doing anything like this if I hadn’t gone to SERC."

 “My time at SERC culminated in a two-week work placement to Fuerteventura.   Going on the trip was the best thing I had ever done for myself.   It really widened my horizon and I got to meet and work with students from different campuses.   The craic was great, and we have all remained in contact. Danielle concluded, “If anyone is thinking about returning to education or moving into hospitality, I would one hundred percent recommend the Food and Beverage Supervision course that I did. I’m currently working as a bartender in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch. I’m happy to build on my experience and work my way up the ladder to management over the next few years.  I am so glad I took the step to get started.”

There is still time to apply for further education courses commencing September.   Come along to our enrolment days on 25 and 26 August. 

And if you are an adult returner and want to take the next step back into education click here for more information  or come talk to us at our Restart and Access information sessions.

Unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.