SERC course cut sparks concerns

SERC course cut sparks concerns

5 November 2014

CONCERN has been expressed about the loss of further education courses to train future bricklayers and plasterers to work across the district.

The South Eastern Regional College has ended level one bricklaying and plastering courses at its Market Street campus in Downpatrick and while these courses are available in Newtownards, a local politician is concerned they are no longer available locally.

Councillor Gareth Sharvin said concern about the loss of the courses has been raised with him by potential students and parents who are becoming increasingly concerned at what they view as a reducing emphasis on providing construction courses at the Downpatrick campus.

He said a sharp decline in enrolments over the past few years is being blamed on the closure of the courses and hopes this trend can be reversed.

“Although we have witnessed a decrease in the construction industry, when we start to consider the small green shoots of growth in construction locally, building firms and contractors will not have the future skill base to employ bricklayers or plasters,” suggested councillor Sharvin.

“I have spoken with a number of local building firms who have revealed that with the increase in small to medium sized jobs, they are struggling to find bricklayers to complete jobs. This is mostly due to former bricklayers changing career paths and the level of skilled bricklayers decreasing in the local area.”

Councillor Sharvin said the South Eastern Regional College has confirmed those already registered previously on level two and three bricklaying and plastering courses will be given the opportunity to complete their qualification.

In addition, he said the College has also introduced a Construction Award in an attempt to offer a broader initial qualification in order to give young trainees an experience of a range of construction trades.

He added: “I am seeking assurance from the College that if the level of interest in bricklaying and plastering was to increase due to continued growth in construction, it will reintroduce these important subjects.”

A College spokeswoman said it is committed to providing access to further and higher education across Co. Down.

She explained that as part of this commitment, the Downpatrick campus has offered a range of courses which have been heavily promoted through a regional marketing campaign, including a prospectus and a range of open day events which took place last March and throughout August.

The spokeswoman added: “Only those courses which have sufficient enrolments can run to ensure that the College is operating efficiently and effectively.

“Whilst we understand that these circumstances may be disappointing, the College must remain focused on delivering an efficient public service and remains committed to this campus and would encourage more local people to enrol.”