QUALIFICATIONS are no longer enough — job applicants need skills and experience, according to a leading educationalist.
Ken Webb, principal and chief executive of the South Eastern Regional College was speaking on ‘Supporting Employability and the Economy’ at its recent gradu-ation ceremony at The Waterfront.
The event, sponsored by East Down and Lisburn Education Partnership, recognised the hard work of hundreds of full and part-time students.
He said: “This year’s graduation celebrates our strong links with industry which provide every stu-dent with the opportunity to im-prove their employability skills in an increasingly competitive job market.
“Employers have informed us that a qualification is not enough anymore and students need to have much more in terms of skills and experience.
“In response we have devel-oped educational partnerships with local companies including Coca Cola, Takker, Montupet, AB Pneumatics, Diageo and Royal Mail to help students gain vital employability skills including problem solving, communication and commercial acumen; while at the same time solving real-life business scenarios,” he added.
Student Johnathan Hamill joined the college in 2009 to study the level three extended diploma in manufacturing engineering, a qualification that is equivalent to three A-levels. Jonathan then pro-gressed onto the HND course in general engineering.
As part of his studies he also got to work on an industry project with Coca-Cola, devising an inno-vative solution which helped the local soft drinks manufacturer enhance their water management practices. Johnathan was award-ed the Sentinus CREST Gold Tech-nology Runner-up Award for the project in 2011.
He said: “The industry project was a great opportunity to get hands on experience working on a live project from concept through to completion and looks great on my CV.”
With 97% of SERC students progressing into employment, self-employment or on to higher level courses, SERC believes it of-fers a real alternative to universi-ty.
For information call 0845 600 7555 or visit www.serc.ac.uk.