Brendan Ellesmere

"After I finished my GCSEs, I knew that A-levels weren’t the right option for me. I wanted to go into a different setting to learn practical skills and found that the Level 3 National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at SERC was a great fit for my growing passion. During my time at the Downpatrick campus, I really liked the variety of the course and how different it was to school. It was great getting a degree of independence and being treated like an adult, along with focusing my studies on an area I was most interested in." 

“My favourite area of the course was the Surveying unit, I gained hands-on practical experience and fantastic insight into the industry. SERC really lets you get stuck in, I really liked that you experience practical activities as well as theory. My tutors on the course were always very realistic and approachable, willing to lend you a hand if you were ever unsure of anything, which was very encouraging. At SERC, you are treated as an individual, and the college really cares about each student’s performance and about helping us get to where we want to be.” 

“I would absolutely recommend SERC as a place to study to anyone who is unsure what they want to do next, or if they feel like A-levels aren’t the right option for them. SERC has a great support network, from the careers advisors who can offer you advice, to the fantastic tutors who will support you to ensure that you are learning the skills and knowledge that employers want.” 

“Since completing my course, I have recently started studying Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at Ulster University. SERC enabled me to secure the entry qualifications I needed to enrol on this course, and I am grateful to the college for providing the gateway to help me progress one step closer to a career I want.”