SERC opens new career move for mature student Julie

Age is never the limit to creating the pathway to your dream job – a truth which is proved by former SERC student Julie Leckey from Newtownards, who advanced to new heights to achieve a long-held career aspiration.

Julie (53), who has a background in clerical work, has completed several courses during her time at SERC. First completing two part-time courses in word processing and Essential Skills ICT at the Newtownards campus, she soon gained a new taste for knowledge which inspired her to restart her education with SERC to begin a career in counselling.  Julie enrolled and completed the Access course in 2018, gaining a place at Queen’s University Belfast for Psychology. However, realising the university pathway was not the right fit for her, she went on to complete a Level 2 and 3 in Counselling at SERC, to progress to the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling at the Newtownards campus. In June 2022, Julie achieved her higher-level qualification and is currently working with the MS Society as a volunteer counsellor.

Of her journey at SERC, Julie says “When I first started SERC, it was originally to improve my IT skills for my job at that time. I ended up enjoying studying so much that I decided I could change my career and do something I was passionate about, which for me was counselling. SERC was convenient and close to home, and I knew how good it was from previously studying typewriting there, and through my daughter, who excelled during her time at the college. I attended an open evening and received excellent information and advice about getting on track to achieve my goals.” 

She continues, “SERC is a fantastic establishment which has great support services and dedicated teachers who are skilled in their subject areas. The standard of education I received was unmatched, and I loved learning new skills, making friendships, and feeling my confidence grow – even at my age. The Access course which I completed in 2018 was an excellent base for higher education. I was accepted onto a degree course at Queen’s but chose the Level 4 Diploma course at SERC to give me a more direct pathway to where I wanted to be.”  

She adds: “As part of my Level 4 Counselling course with SERC, I had a placement with the MS Society, Belfast as a trainee counsellor. I am still with them now as a volunteer counsellor and I am due to start some paid employment with them shortly. In my role, I provide therapeutic counselling for people affected by MS, including patients, families, carers and friends. My course at SERC was great preparation for the role I am in now, and I truly believe I wouldn’t have achieved so much elsewhere. My tutors were always very helpful and accommodating during my time on the Diploma course. They helped me learn a new portfolio of valuable skills to take forward into my career.”  

Concluding, Julie says “I am grateful to SERC for the new opportunities, knowledge and confidence I have gained from my time at the college. I would encourage anyone that it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams – SERC is a fantastic place to start, and it can completely transform your life.” 

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