Celebration of success as management qualifications awarded at SERC
Thirty-two graduates gathered at the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) SPACE Bangor Campus recently for a celebration of their achievement in gaining Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications through the College.
They were joined by guests from CMI and representatives of the Department for the Economy’s Connected programme, which sponsored the event, as well as proud relatives and SERC staff.
SERC is the largest centre in NI delivering strategic management and leadership qualifications, leading the way in supporting local industries to upskill and build capacity for growth.
Speaking of the fruitful partnership between the CMI and SERC, Matt Swarbrick, CMI’s Director of Partner Sales, said: “Our values are very much aligned with those of SERC and we see the College as a key partner in professionalising the workforce through embedding important management and leadership skills.
“This is all for the benefit of the NI economy. The amazing team at SERC is passionate about delivering excellent programmes, ensuring strong outcomes and, crucially, the tutors also focus on providing learners with the confidence needed to be successful leaders.
“Many go on to achieve Chartered Manager status… the ultimate accolade.”
One of the graduates, Linda McKendry, is Director of Services at Compass Advocacy Network, which supports people with learning disabilities and autism. She achieved a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, Linda said: “What a journey it’s been! Don’t get me wrong, it was tough and intense, but so worth it for the networking and support opportunities alone.
“The format of the CMI programme fitted in well with my working week. The support I received from my mentor at SERC was superb.
“She was so concise and clear with what I needed to do. My CMI Level 7 course provided me with a unique opportunity to explore the strategic context of my organisation and team.
“I was finally able to put my theories into practice in my everyday world and really make a difference, not only to my own work performance but also to my team’s and to the organisation as a whole.”
Among those receiving certificates were SERC staff who had been encouraged in their professional development and who had achieved CMI qualifications from Level 4 to Level 7.
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The Chartered Management Institute is the only chartered professional body dedicated to raising standards of practice in leadership and management. SERC is the largest centre delivering strategic leadership qualifications in NI.
The DfE Connected scheme provides support to SMEs to access the full range of services available from local colleges and universities, including training, research, product development, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
In the academic year 2021-22, SERC’s Business Services department delivered upskilling programmes for 925 different companies, with almost 3,000 individual staff members gaining professional qualifications.
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