SERC Public Services Students Achieve Millennium Volunteers Certificates

Congratulations to Level 3 Public Services students from SERC’s Bangor campus who have achieved Millennium Volunteers Awards.

Irwin Pryce, SERC Lecturer for Public Services said, “We are delighted that eight students were awarded 50 Hour Certificates and three were awarded the 30 Hour Certificate in recognition of their voluntary efforts over the past year.

“Volunteering is part of the course and student are also required to learn how voluntary organisations operate. They followed a varied programme which included hands–on, project-based learning sessions with organisations such as Oxfam, Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Warrior Assault, Action MS and Storehouse North Down.

“The Millennium Volunteer programme recognises commitment and voluntary efforts of young volunteers under 25 years old. This additional qualification to their course has helped the students develop further skills, enhanced their employability and introduced new interests for voluntary work.  Their commitment has been incredible.

He added, “Employers within the public service industry are now actively seeking candidates that have experience of volunteering within the community. Their hard work and dedication mean that they have acquired nationally recognised awards which will give them the edge over other applicants when applying for competitive public service jobs.”

Calum McKechnie, Public Services student said, “To obtain my 50 hours certificate I completed a range of interesting volunteering opportunities such as providing directions to the public for Warrior Assault, participating in the Public Services Belfast City Marathon relay, sorted donations for Oxfam, assisted in the creation of new animal accommodation for Assisi Animal Sanctuary, facilitated a food bank collection and narrated a first aid video.”

He continued, “At times the work was tough and exhausting, but it was also extremely rewarding to give back to the local community. I enjoyed the varied nature of volunteering; it really opened my eyes to the inner workings of the voluntary sector.”

In addition to their awards, the students were also presented with Bronze Millennium Volunteers pins. The voluntary work has inspired the young people with one student recently becoming a Young Scout Leader whilst another has started working as a coach for a children’s football team. The students are intent on continuing their volunteering, working towards the Millennium Volunteers 100 Hour Certificate.

For further information or to apply for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Service course click here 

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