Seal of Approval for SERC from Mum

Moving on from school can be a challenging time for young people and their parents.   Having a plan B at the ready meant that progression - and success – was still part of the plan for SERC student Erin Horner, which got mum Alison’s seal of approval.

Busy working mother of three, Alison Horner, explains, “Erin went to Blackwater Integrated College in Downpatrick, and she loved it – if she could have stayed on, she would have.  Since the students finish after fifth form, she thought moving on to another school to do A-Levels would be the next best thing.  But after three days in a new school on an A Level course, she knew herself this was not the right pathway.

“Thankfully, we had done some research and knew about different options, so she got online and applied for the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Food and Beverage Service at SERC.   She had a telephone interview with the tutor and started the following week, and to say she hasn’t looked back would be an understatement."  

Erin progressed to the Level 3 Diploma in Food and Beverage Service - Supervision and this past year she has completed the first year of the Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality with Events.

She added, “Since coming to the College, her confidence has grown. She got support with her dyslexia which has been great, and it meant she has been able to progress with everyone else.  We were delighted she was awarded Joint Overall Campus FE Student of the Year at the College Excellence Awards."

“She applied for a work placement through the Turing Scheme and was thrilled to be selected for two visits to Fuerteventura.   On the first trip in 2022, Erin was working in a hotel with a team and this past trip in May 2023, she was working more independently.   She had a wonderful time, has loved the experience and it has been brilliant for her independence which is all part of growing up."

 Alison concluded, “My three children have each taken different pathways and, in my experience, it is about helping them find the right one for them.”

“Coming to SERC has been the best thing for Erin. Communication with the College, through her Lecturer Sheena Hunt, has been excellent. And we also got to see Erin working at the College training restaurant when my husband Garth and I booked in a few evenings.   It was brilliant to see Erin doing what she enjoys, and the restaurant is a fantastic resource where you can see the young people progressing.” 

Take a look at what some other parents have to say about SERC.  

There is still time to apply for courses commencing September 2023 or come along to our enrolment days  to find out how you can unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.