.@S_ERC commends leaders of the future

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recently hosted an awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of graduates from the Entry to management graduate programme.

To date the programme has produced 79 graduates across a range of industries including Engineering, Hospitality, Agri Foods, Finance and IT. Graduates completed a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) level 5 leadership and management qualification.

The graduates undertook an intensive management training programme with a strong focus on leadership, innovation, creative thinking, management and communication.

The ceremony, held at SERC’s Lisburn Campus, was attended by the graduates, along with employer representatives who were welcomed by SERC Leadership and Management Consultant Jenny McConnell.

Jenny said “The programme proves an excellent example of how the public and private sectors can work together to support graduates to find employment. This year 96% of the Entry to management graduates have retained full-time employment either with the employer they were paired with or have secured employment elsewhere.”

Jenny went on to thank the employers for their support throughout the programme and encouraged other businesses to avail of the programme, she said “We are urging businesses to contact us and discover the many benefits that the programme has to offer. This programme is a must for organisations who want to attract young, motivated and willing talent to their organisation at low cost.”

Guess speaker Beverley Harrison, Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, spoke about her experiences of leadership over the course of her career in 13 different roles.

To close Beverley left the graduates with inspiring words; “Be agile, be flexible and be responsive to the situation. Not every situation will be positive. You can be what you want to be, so be the best version of your own authentic self.”

CEO Darragh McCarthy from FinTrU Ltd who employed several of the graduates from the programme said “The graduate management programme helped us create a new generation of great leaders who can contribute to the future growth of the company. FinTrU is always looking to the future and new ways to improve our services and attract talent. Attracting the right people with the right skills and developing them within our business is vital for us achieving our business goals, and this programme enabled us to do just that.”

Graduate Tommy Boyd spoke about his experiences through the programme and how it has changed his life. He said “I worked 16 hours a week in a dead-end job. Thanks to this programme I got the chance to make a difference, I’ve got experience, I feel more confident. this programme should be essential for all new graduates out of university.”

Tommy also give a vote of thanks on behave of all the graduates to all the tutors and employers.

Certificates where presented to the graduates by Beverley Harrison and SERC Training and Innovation Consultant Claire Hatton.

In closing, SERC Principal and chief executive Ken Webb said “The Entry to management programme has been an exemplar model of how the College can deliver highly skilled and motivated staff in a responsive and efficient manner. We are delighted to see the positive outcomes of the programme and I personally congratulate all of the graduates and wish them the greatest success in their future.”