Restart your education at SERC

The pathway to the career you dream of is not always a straight one, but South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has an excellent record of working with adults to put them back on track through education.

If you would like another go and get those basic qualifications, or feel you missed out on getting to university, SERC will support you to learn and achieve.

If you have ever thought about getting back into education, the first step could be to visit a SERC Restart and Access open day, running across campuses in the coming weeks:

n August 26: Downpatrick Restart & Access Information Session, 10am-2pm;

n August 31: Bangor Restart & Access Information Session, 6pm-8pm;

n August 31: Newtownards Restart & Access Information Session, 10am-2pm;

n September 1: Holywood Restart Education Information Session, 10am-2pm.

Ellie Bradley, Deputy Head of School for Adult Education, says: “We understand how daunting it can be to return to education, but we are here to help everyone take that first step.

“Regardless of the challenges you face in everyday life, our student-centred approach offers the necessary support to inspire you to learn and achieve through our adult returner Restart and Access courses.

“At our open days, anyone is welcome to drop in for an informal chat to find out what it’s all about, and to ask us anything about the courses and returning to learn at college.”

SERC’s Restart programme provides adult returners with the basic knowledge and skills that are required for progression to Level 2 and Level 3 courses within the college, including the Access course, so there are plenty of options for progression depending on where you want your return to education to take you.

If you think you’ve missed your chance at university because you didn’t get the qualifications when you were at school; you’re stuck in a job because you lack the qualifications to change; you want a new direction; or you would like to progress in a job that you love; then come and find out about the Access Diploma in Foundation Studies.

It’s a Level 3 academic qualification, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, specifically tailored to the needs of adults who have been out of full-time education for at least two years.

The course is designed to improve knowledge, skills and confidence with the eventual aim of going on to higher education courses at university or college.

Victoria Craig, 47, from County Down, was delighted to discover how far a course at SERC could take her.

“When I enrolled, I had no thoughts regarding university; my sole motivation was the thought that the course might help me support my children in their education – my eldest was at GCSE level at the time,” she said.

“Now here I am, preparing to start a degree in English and Sociology at Queen’s.

“I carried the idea of going to university with me for years. But taking that first step in through the doors of SERC was what made it possible.

“I would encourage anyone who is thinking of what they could have achieved – if they had had the opportunity – to take that first step back into education with Restart or Access.”

n For an informal chat about Restart or Access call 0345 600 7555 or email  community@serc.ac.uk

n Learning never stops visit www.serc.ac.uk #BetterOffAtSERC.