Apprenticeships Fair Proves Attractive Option for Young People and Employers at SERC

Over 70 young people and parents attended South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Apprenticeship Fair held at the Downpatrick Campus recently. The fair gave attendees the opportunity to find out about the apprenticeship route to employment and further qualifications and to meet potential employees. 

Victoria Boyd, Training Programme Manager said, “We had around 70 young people and their parents visit the Apprenticeship Fair at our Downpatrick Campus. They were able to meet with 14 employers offering apprenticeship opportunities locally including Charles Hurst, O’Hare and McGovern, Finnebrogue, Phoenix Energy Services, Clanrye Group and the Burrendale Hotel.  

She added, “There was real buzz throughout the whole evening with the young people and their parents eager to find out about the apprenticeship route. This was the first time we have hosted an Apprenticeship Fair at the Downpatrick Campus so we are really pleased with the turnout of visitors and the level of support from employers, many of which had reported that they had a good evening and some reporting that they were going to follow up with young people whom they had met to offer them jobs. 

Finally, she said, “The apprenticeship route is a growing area for young people. We are finding that for many young people, being employed, earning money and continuing with their studies is much more attractive route in getting them to where they want to be career-wise. Apprentices are usually with the employer four days a week, learning on the job and either attend College or receive teaching in the workplace one day a week to consolidate their learning.   

“SERC also offer a range of Higher-Level Apprenticeships for students completing their A levels such as computing, accounting, mechatronics, automotive management, construction, leadership for children’s care, learning and development, manufacturing and gas management.”