SERC electrical engineering apprentice Robbie Taylor from Bangor has secured a placement with LM Services LTD to master the skills of the trade. Robbie is pictured with LM Services Director Paul Dempster, SERC training support officer Alison Beers and SERC tutor Sam Lyttle.

LM Services LTD is one of many organisations who have realised the benefits of employing enthusiastic apprentices after hiring three from South Eastern Regional College.

LM Services NI Limited, based in Belfast, have recently collaborated with SERC to provide placements for their apprenticeship programmes and to help find and recruit talent to their organisation.

Robbie Taylor from was one of three students who gained placements with the company and are getting a great insight into the industry and mastering the skills of the trade.

This is the first time LM Services have hired apprentices from SERC. LM Services Director Paul Dempster explains “We wanted to work with the College to give young people the opportunity to prove themselves and gain the skills they need to thrive in their industry. Attracting the right people and developing them within our business is vital for us achieving ou goals. Hiring apprentices will help us create a new generation of tradesmen who can contribute to the future growth of the company. The skills and knowledge that they learn at College are remarkable and put to good use within the everyday demands of the job.

“This is an experience we want to continue to support as Glen, Robbie and Martyn have grown to become excellent team members. They have blended in well with the team and are quick learners. Thanks to working with SERCs training support officers we found the right apprentices quickly and efficiently.

17-year-old electrical engineering apprentice Glen Baxter from Newtownards said: “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship. I feel a valued member of the team and thank LM Services for this placement. I’ve been given the chance to learn specialist skills which I can add to my CV.

“I am really enjoying my time at LM Services. I have the opportunity to learn new skills. We are given sufficient training and are given responsibility to manage our own specific projects. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship programme to anyone who wanted an exciting, rewarding career and the chance to learn on the job rather than in the classroom.”

The students gained their positions thanks to SERC’s training support organisation which strives to seek valuable employment and placement opportunities for their students as a way of helping students build their confidence and develop skills.

SERC training programmes manager Victoria Boyd said: “Securing placement providers is becoming increasing difficult. We are extremely grateful to LM Services and all our employers for providing these valuable opportunities to help students master their trade. The traineeships and apprenticeships programmes are designed to equip students with the very practical and specific demands of their trade – which they cannot learn in the classroom. Working closely with LM Services we identified and recruited trainees who provided a best fit for their business."