Sideways Step Takes Emma on new Career Path

Ahead of our Open Evening for full time students on Wednesday 8 March, read our profiles of students who have progressed to SERC to study further and higher education, traineeship and apprenticeship programmes, all keen to unlock their future at SERC.

A young woman who was bound for teacher training took a sideways step to train for a new career in hair and beauty.

Emma Holmes (23), from Newcastle, completed her A Levels at Shimna College. She accepted an offer to study a BSc in Education at Liverpool Hope University, but the closer she got to the start date, the more she realised it wasn’t for her.   She says, “I was en route for a career in teaching and suddenly realised this wasn’t what I wanted to do at all.   I deferred the place and took up a role in hospitality and ended up staying there for a couple of years.   I enjoyed the work and being out and about and meeting people, and as the experience gave me more confidence to find something that I really wanted to do."

“During that time, I completed a part-time course in Beauty Therapy at SERC’s Lisburn Campus which I really enjoyed.   This got me thinking about hairdressing and having the combination of skills.   I completed the Level 2 Hairdressing full-time before progressing to the Level 3 which I am studying part-time."  

She continues, “I have been employed at Johnny Hagz in Castlewellan for the past year and a half and work as part of a lovely team, and I have a great boss.  I am learning lots on the job which has really speeded up my progress, helping me consolidate all the learning at SERC."

Emma adds, “I have really enjoyed my time at SERC.   My tutors have been so encouraging.   All courses that I have followed have been great, and I would certainly encourage anyone progressing from school to find out what is on offer at the College.   Don’t let your age put you off - everyone’s time line is different.   There is a range of ages in the class, but we are all in the same boat, and there is great camaraderie and support."

Emma concluded, “At the minute I am working to successfully complete my Level 3 Hairdressing qualification and to build up my skills, experience, and clients.   Longer term, I would love to use my skills to support some travel, perhaps on a cruise ship or even setting up my own business.   If I have learnt anything at SERC, it’s that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

Find out how you can unlock your future with SERC. Come along to our Open Evening for Full Time students from 4.00pm – 7.00pm on Wednesday 8 March 2023 at the College’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.