Awards For SERC Built Environment Students

Edwin & Alan Dunlop Construction Awards presented to SERC Students

Ten students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) have been recognised for their performance on programmes related to the Built Environment vocations.

The Edwin and Alan Dunlop Construction Awards are a celebration of student success supported by Dunlop Group Enterprises Ltd.  

The business founders, brothers Edwin and Alan Dunlop, both studied at the former Bangor Technical College.  The duo maintained strong links with the college – now SERC –  in its many transformations over the years, both through recruiting students and sponsoring awards.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Trevor Breadon, Head of School of Construction & the Built Environment, said: “Nominations were put forward by lecturers and then reviewed by a panel of judges who considered each nominee against a criteria of attendance and effort; performance on course of study; contribution to the course and/or workplace; and personal development and resilience.  

Learner of the Year – Construction Studies. Jennifer Gilchrist (18, from Downpatrick) from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Downpatrick Campus. Presenting the award is Susan Montgomery of Dunlop Group Enterprises Ltd.
Learner of the Year-Motor Vehicle: Conaire Small (20, from Newcastle) from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light) at Downpatrick Campus.

“The recipients excelled in these areas. I congratulate you all and wish you continued success.”

Stephen Dunlop and Susan Montgomery, both Directors at Dunlop Group Enterprises Ltd said: “We are delighted to support SERC with the Edwin and Alan Dunlop Construction Awards

“Our company has a long history with the college, and it is both reassuring and wonderful to hear about the next generation of students and apprentices who are honing their skills and gaining the necessary qualifications that will put them in the best position for careers in the construction industry.  

“Congratulations to all recipients of these Awards. I encourage you to keep learning and wish you every success for your future.”

Learner of the Year – Plumbing: Carl Hughes (28, from Killyleagh) for Plumbing, from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing at Newtownards Campus.
Learner of the Year – Brickwork: Fergal Gilmore (22, from Portaferry) from the Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Bricklaying at Newtownards Campus.

Susan Montgomery and Stephen Dunlop presented Edwin & Alan Dunlop Construction Awards which included £250 gift vouchers to:

Lindsay Faulkner (22, from Bangor) for Fire and Security from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire & Security Systems at Newtownards Campus.

Jennifer Gilchrist (18, from Downpatrick) for Construction Studies, from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Downpatrick Campus.

Conaire Small (20, from Newcastle) for Motor Vehicle, from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light) at Downpatrick Campus.

Fergal Gilmore (22, from Portaferry) for Brickwork, from the Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Bricklaying at Newtownards Campus.

David Johnston (21, from Saintfield) for Plastering, from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plastering at Lisburn Campus.

David Magee (20, from Royal Hillsborough) for Joinery, from the  Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry & Joinery at Lisburn Campus.

Mason Hamilton (19, from Dundonald for Construction Maintenance, from the Level 2 Traineeship in Maintenance Operations (Construction) at Newtownards Campus.

Carl Hughes (28, from Killyleagh) for Plumbing, from theLevel 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing at Newtownards Campus.

James Reilly (20, from Belfast) for Refrigeration from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Refrigeration at Lisburn Campus.

Trevor Breadon accepted the award for Niamh Allen (28, from Ballynahinch) for Electrical Installation from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI Electrical Installation at Lisburn Campus, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to work commitments.

Applications are now open for full-time and part-time courses at SERC commencing September 2026.

Visit: www.serc.ac.uk

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