Apprentice trio from SERC are set to compete at the WorldSkills UK finals

The young men, Matthew Blair 24, (Ballinderry) employed by Building Protection Systems (BPS); Jack Matthews 22, (Belfast) employed by SIA and Jamie Rusk 19, (Lurgan), employed by Digital Fire & Security (DFS) are completing the Level 3 Fire & Security Systems Apprenticeship NI at SERC’s Lisburn Campus.

The trio are amongst 400 top students and apprentices taking part in the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will be hosted in colleges across Greater Manchester.

Robin Hamill, Lecturer, Fire and Security Systems at SERC said, “We are absolutely delighted that Matthew, Jack and Jamie have reached the finals of this national competition.

"All the young men have had a fantastic time at SkillBuildNI and IFSEC this year, which has secured their spot in this competition.

"They rank among the best students and apprentices in the UK, and this competition will further showcase their skills and experience in this specialist area in the face of strong competition.

“An apprenticeship is a three-way partnership between the College, the apprentice and of course, the employer, and we would like to thank each of the apprentice's employers for their continued support and encouragement to each of the young men who will represent their businesses, SERC and indeed, Northern Ireland.”

The South Eastern Regional College provides high quality and innovative services to learners totalling 22,000 enrolments though 1,000 experienced staff and specialist facilities.