Catriona and Andy Hill from Newtownards have built the right ‘Foundation’ for their career by studying a Foundation Degree in Hospitality Tourism and Events at SERC.The couple, pictured with their children Brandon aged 8 and Faith aged 7, have set up their own barista coffee and cookie business, Hills Mixtape and are looking forward to celebrating their achievements with family and friends at the graduation ceremony on 2 September at Belfast Waterfront Hall.

Working parents who returned to study in their 30s will both graduate in September.

Most of us would find working full-time whilst raising a family demanding enough; but a couple in their 30s who managed to study for full-time degrees, will both graduate in Belfast on 2 September where they will celebrate their achievements with family and friends. Andy Hill and his wife, Catriona, both 33 years old, from Newtownards attended classes at South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

The duo had to juggle studying at SERC with running their own business and looking after their 2 children aged 7 and 8. But soon they will celebrate their perseverance by receiving their Foundation Degree in hospitality, tourism and events certificates at the Belfast Waterfront Hall – where Catriona will graduate with a distinction!
Catriona said: “We believed that getting a foundation degree would assist us in advancing our careers by adding credibility to our CV’s and equipping us with the knowledge and skills required to set up our new barista coffee and cookie business. By completing the course we have turned our dream into a reality. The time we spent at SERC was an unforgettable experience. There were many joys and challenges throughout the two years but I would encourage others to do the same. We have really enjoyed studying and I would like to thank the tutors for their support and excellent supervision. Enrolling to SERC was the best thing I have ever done.”

With foundation degrees under their belts the couple are looking forward to the future, developing the business and getting their five year action plan into place.
Andy explains: “We both thoroughly enjoyed the course. It’s a wonderful college for mature students: it’s small and friendly and we found that the younger students accepted us as part of the group. It feels very good to reach the end of a long journey and I am proud of us both for not giving up. After attending an open evening we learnt that SERC offered the foundation degree at our local campus which was why we decided to go for it. I am glad that I will not have to submit anymore essays and we can enjoy our weekends without thinking about deadlines!”

Ken Webb SERC Principal and Chief Executive commented: "It's heartening to hear from students that college actually provides the best footing for long term success in and out of the workplace. For these fortunate soul mates it has given them memories and relationships to last a lifetime."

SERC provides a range of full and part time courses designed to give students ‘the edge’.  To find out how SERC can help you ‘get the edge’ call 0345 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find us on Facebook, search: South Eastern Regional College.