A LOCAL college has taken advantage of growing online opportunities by spearheading the introduction of a fully integrated online application and enrolment system.
The development is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and is set to cut customer waiting times and improve efficiency.
The innovative new system, designed by South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) software development team, will replace a paper-based process which saw customers completing at least two forms and enduring long queues at peak enrolment times.
The online self-service system allows students to register for courses, submit qualification results, print course information and check course grades 24/7. All that’s required is an internet connection and individuals can apply at any time from a computer or mobile de-vice at: applyserc.ac.uk
Speaking at the official launch re-cently, Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Fairy said: ‘This software development at SERC will help the college to create a more convenient service for its customers as well as delivering value for money by reducing administration costs to the college.”
School leavers, the main audience for full-time courses, have shown their approval with 32% of all applications being done from a mobile device.
SERC’s Michael Malone, director of curriculum and information services, said: “Our application numbers illustrate the importance of offering a convenient and relevant service, in support of a high quality curriculum.”