SERC PBL SUMMER SHOWCASE 2022

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

SUMMER SHOWCASE

Keep up to date with EEE! SERCENTERPRISE@SERC.AC.UK ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SERC

INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN

RETAIL TRAINEESHIP - DOWNPATRICK

Cora-May Mahon, Gerard Blaney, Harrison Gribben, Adam Morgan, Ryan Johnston

The retail students have been challenged to operate a pop up shop selling student company products on campus! The students demonstrated their professionalism when interacting with

THIS PROJECT HAS GIVEN ME A REAL LIFE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE AND I ENJOY SELLING THE PRODUCTS AND GOODS.

customers and have received brilliant feedback regarding the quality of the product on offer. Check out the shop and its array of fantastic joinery pieces and other intriguing crafts at the next college fair or pop up event!

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

OCN LEVEL 2 RETAIL DOWNPATRICK & ARDS

SHOPPERS'

'KNOW IT ALL APP'

Cora May Mahon, Adam Morgan, Ryan Johnston, Harrison Gribben, Gerard Blaney, Tony Miller, Brandon Parker, Mitchell Caldwell

There has been an increase in online shopping by 33% during the pandemic. Consumers' confidence in returning to the high street has been impacted by Covid. There is a demand from retailers to increase footfall and restore consumer confidence in the high street. Accessible information for consumers on their local town centre and how it meets their specific needs would build confidence and encourage shopping in local town centres.

Working with Others

OCN Level 2 Retail students from Downpatrick and Ards were tasked with the challenge of creating a solution to these issues by designing digital content for a shopping app that would help provide consumer choice, improve the shopping experience, and create marketing opportunities for local retailers. These groups of students each designed ‘Know it all’ app prototypes that would provide information on the local area retailers and facilities all in an easily accessible application – with the aim of encouraging shoppers back to the high street.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

THE INDUCTION PBL ON DESIGNING CONTENT FOR A SHOPPING APP WAS VERY INTERESTING. WE RESEARCHED SHOPS IN DOWNPATRICK AND WHAT THEY SOLD, EXPLORED REASONS WHY HIGH STREET SALES HAD FALLEN AND LEARNED TO USE ONENOTE. IT HELPED ME GET TO KNOW MY TEAM COLLEAGUE GERARD BETTER AND INTRODUCE ME TO THE SUBJECT OF RETAIL.

- Harrison Gribben

Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship

Elizabeth Greer: “The trainees worked really hard on this project. They bonded well as a team, and each brought their own strengths to the process and the results. They are to be commended for their efforts and they appreciated learning new skills like the use of OneNote and creating content on phone screen app images.”

THIS PROJECT WAS VERY INTERESTING, IT GAVE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TEAM MEMBERS TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER, THINK ABOUT THE ISSUES BOTH RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS FACE IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC, RESEARCH THE TOWN OF DOWNPATRICK AND ITS RETAILERS AND PRESENT OUR RECOMMENDATIONS IN A MOOD BOARD ON ONENOTE WHICH WE HAD NOT USED BEFORE.

- Cora May Mahon

L3 DIPLOMA TRAVEL AND TOURISM YEAR 2 – LISBURN

VACATION DIGITAL MARKETING

Dorothea Pop, Kacper Mertrycki, Sandra Pereira, Gaby Malkeviciute, Malia McCormick, Sophie Molyneaux, Sharon McCartney & Robyn McClelland (Bangor)

Work Professionalism

THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN GREAT FUN AND A GREAT WAY TO LEARN AND ENGAGE WITH OTHER LEARNERS ON THE COURSE.

Digital Literacy

- Kacper Mertrycki

Working with Others Self-Management

Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

Students were challenged with creating IT WAS GREAT TO DEVELOP OUR DIGITAL MARKETING SKILLS FURTHER WHEN WE COMPLETED OUR ERASMUS COURSE IN TENERIFE AND INCLUDE VACATION TIK TOK'S TO OUR PROJECT.

engaging digital content for their online

- Dorothea Pop

summer!

Staycation Magazine to promote staycations in N.I as well as vacations further afield! The students used various digital platforms to create a series of engaging Tik Toks, filmed in Tenerife as well as N.I., since a number of students were developing their skills on Erasmus. The magazine is out this month, so keep your eyes peeled for exciting content showcasing the best places to visit this

VACATION

DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION

L3 DIPLOMA TRAVEL AND TOURISM YEAR 1 – LISBURN

Abby Hunter, Abigail Duffy, Leia Giesel, Jessica Irwin, Ellie Hood, Debbie Bell, Donna Close, Gabija Bereisyte, Katie Jackson, Melissa Djalo, Shamir Chrami & Rachel McNeilly

For this challenge, students developed Instagram posts to be embedded in the Digital Staycation Magazine, to promote staycations in N.I. and vacations further afield!

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

IT HAS BEEN FUN CREATING POSTS WHICH ARE LINKED TO OUR COURSE AND THE RESEARCH WE HAVE COMPLETED. - JESSICA IRWIN

LJMU BSC MANAGEMENT - BANGOR

DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS Liverpool John Moore University students were briefed to work with external companies, such as Made in Antrim, Stable Pro and many more, and to develop social media campaigns to support organisational development and growth.

Part of this process involved creating social media strategies specific to various platforms for the client. Ideas for Tiktok and Instagram were generated with tips for how the client can implement this and increase their social engagement.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making Hannah Magee, Lee DuBois, Christina Kerr, Leah Hamilton, Tiarna Ferris, Luke McMullan, Aaron Bailie, Andrew linter, Tori Brown, Ben Davidson, Josh Patterson, Erin, Daniel Harrison

L3 FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS LISBURN

BEE POSITIVE Well-being awareness days

For the “Bee Positive” challenge, the

Chris Stewart, Aidan Neill, Anna Bartosik, Paula McKay, Christina Spratt, Holly Jordan, Jason McLarnin, Luka Venslovaite & Nathan Adams.

business students designed a series of “wellness” emails to circulate to staff and students in the Lisburn campus during the month of February 2022.

The goal was to enhance the wellbeing of the entire SERC community in Lisburn through direct communication.

The students successfully sent a daily email to all students throughout February.

WE ENJOYED WORKING TOGETHER TO DEVELOP INSPIRATIONAL EMAILS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS TO AID THEIR WELLBEING. Anna Bartosik

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

These products and services will be available through the new “Student Shop”, a shop run by SERC students that will pop up on the SERC Bangor campus, as these students progress into Year 2.

L3 DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS BANGOR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF A BUSINESS VENTURE Developing and launching a product or service means offering value to consumers through a viable business venture.

The level 3 Business students were challenged to develop a product or service, either by creating something from scratch or sourcing an existing item to sell. Their challenge included developing a marketing and advertising campaign as well as a brief financial breakdown. The students presented their business ideas and have since brought them to market.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

I ENJOYED BEING ABLE TO USE MY PARENTS’ BUSINESS TO DEVELOP A NEW RECIPE SHARING IDEA, AS PART OF THE PBL PROJECT FOR MY BUSINESS COURSE - CEM GUZEL

1 2 3

Cem Guzel

Morgon Colton

Olivia Bowers

ACCESS BALLYNAHINCH

HALLOWED GROUNDS I hope this business will support my

During Induction fortnight, the Access students were tasked with generating innovative solutions to the reduction of waste. The students came up with the concept of coffee ground soap. Student Helen McFarlane has since further developed this concept into a soap business; Hallowed Grounds.

Helen has been working alongside the Enterprise department and the college's Entrepreneur in residence, who have given Helen support and advice to pursue this opportunity.

Helen is currently exploring opportunities to develop soap for hotels using their own waste coffee grounds.

Helen was awarded with Entrepreneur of the Year and Student company of the Year at the SERC Excellence Awards 2022.

university studies and allow me to fund my progression.

Helen McFarlane

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

L3 SPORT LISBURN

PROMOTING

SERC SPORT

The students were challenged to design and produce a marketing video to promote sport at SERC and the sport courses available at the Lisburn campus.

To do this, they worked with several internal and external stakeholders, including the Creative Developers and the Irish Football Association. They successfully completed their work and passed this to the Creative Developers in SERC for editing.

Aaron Skidmore · Aimee Glover · Armand Bálint-Szabó · Blake Megrath · Cian McDonald · Conor Kavanagh · Dylan McKerr · Emily Stevenson · Kimberley Bradley · Ryan Francey · Scott Ryan · Terry Hanna ·

THIS WAS A FUN EXPERIENCE GIVING US AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE WHAT SERC SPORT HAS TO OFFER ON THE LISBURN CAMPUS, I WAS TAKEN OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND HAVE CERTAINLY DEVELOPED MY CONFIDENCE AND A RANGE OF T-SKILLS DURING THIS PROJECT. Emily Stevenson

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

OUTDOOR SPORT - BANGOR

The sporting industry has noted an increasing reliance on handheld technology by practitioners of outdoor sports, at the expense of traditional methods of navigation.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy

The level 3 students were challenged to investigate this perceived over-reliance on “fits in the palm of your hand” technology during outdoor sports and to put forward recommendations.

The students investigated the quantity of people actively integrating technology into their outdoor activities and the ways in which the technology had been used, including types and content.

They identified a loss of traditional methods of navigation and so developed ways to promote and support the maintenance of these, while also considering app content that would meet the needs of the ever-growing outdoor sports technology market sector.

Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

"The project was very interesting and allowed me to gain an understanding of the developing role technology plays in outdoor activities."

"It was great to see how technology is reducing risk and increasing the health and safety for people participating in activities in the outdoors".

L3 SUPERVISION FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE L3 PROFESSIONAL COOKERY FOUNDATION DEGREE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS DINNER In conjunction with Ards and North Down Borough Council

Student's were given the challenge of planning, executing and evaluating a three-course dinner event for a Climate Change Awareness event at the North Down Museum.

Erin Horner, Imogen Megan Dyer, Catrina Stanfield, Maisa Muir, Ellie Hamilton, Rory Watson, Humza Mughal, Stephen Whitham, Ben Povey, Natali Attia, Sinead Rainey, Jessica Chapman, Lea Nickel, Annabel McNutt, Edward Lawther & Lucy Armitage.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

IT WAS GOOD WORKING WITH NEW TEAM MEMBERS FROM THE FD HOSPITALITY COURSE AND THE CHEFS IN THE KITCHEN. EVERYONE WORKED WELL TOGETHER.

IT WAS EXCITING TO BE SOMEWHERE NEW AND NOT JUST IN THE BIRCHES RESTAURANT TO SET UP FOR SERVICE AND TO SERVE. IT WAS A NEW EXPERIENCE WITH THE PLANT-BASED MENU TO SERVE AND FELT MORE LIKE A FORMAL STYLE OF DINING.

Level 3 Professional Cookery students were challenged to create the best plant-based dishes through class competitions for an external event with 40 diners. The students had less than 3 weeks to create the dishes and prepare for the event on 24th February. The two winners got to demo their dishes live from the ANDBC Food trailer during the climate change event. The

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE ACTUAL VENUE WAS GOOD TO SEE AS IT STARTED AS A CAFÉ AND TRANSFORMED INTO A RESTAURANT.

Foundation degree students and the Level 3 supervision Food and Beverage Service students organised the front of house preparation for service and served the meal to 40 diners. The students excelled despite the short timeframe and working in an unfamiliar kitchen at the event.

L2 BAKERY & L3 PATISSERIE & CONFECTIONARY - LISBURN

IFEX STATIC CAKES CHALLENGE

Niamh Quinn, Rachel Armstrong, Zoe Nesbitt, Joanne Barlow, Tania Chadwick, Emma Ashton, Damien McKibben, Anna Davidson, Nicole Stewart, Emma Stewart, Zara Shiels, Marija Kuwaite, Vanessa Leith

For this challenge, the level 2 and 3 students were tasked with using their cake and chocolate modelling skills to create showpieces for the IFEX competition. IFEX is Northern Ireland’s premier showcase of the latest food and drink products, catering equipment, interiors, technology and services to the food, retail and hospitality industries.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

L3 PATISSERIE & CONFECTIONARY - LISBURN

AFTERNOON TEAS CHALLENGE The level 3 students were challenged to organise and cater a number of afternoon tea events, suitable for restaurant service and takeaway. To do this, they created a bespoke theme for each event. The results speak for themselves and one event raised £192 for the Red Cross!

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making VANESSA - 'I LEARNT A LOT ABOUT MAKING FONDANT AND APPLYING IT TO CAKES OBVIOUSLY I IMPROVED MY KNOWLEDGE ON SUGAR CRAFT FLOWERS WHICH I ENJOYED, I FEEL NEXT TIME I ENTER IFEX I WILL HAVE A BETTER HANDLE ON MY TIME MANAGEMENT WITH REGARDS TO GETTING EVERYTHING EARLY AND BEING BETTER ORGANISED'.

ENGINEERING APPRENTICES – DOWNPATRICK

SCRAP ENGINEERING The Downpatrick Engineering Apprentices have been creating products from scrap metal to sell through the student company, Cutting Edge, at the College fairs. Products include ornaments, gardenware and art pieces.

The Downpatrick Engineering Apprentices have been creating products from scrap metal to sell through the student company, Cutting Edge, at the College fairs. Products include ornaments, gardenware and art pieces.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making Bryson Kearney, Lee Curtis, Niels McKibbin, Scott Kelly

I ENJOYED THE PROCESS OF MAKING ITEMS TO SELL

- Bryson Kearney

HND ENGINEERING - BANGOR

ABB VIRTUAL FACTORY EFFICIENCY For this challenge, the students used a 3D manufacturing simulation software to model a new factory for the global manufacturer ABB.

The students developed and

Working with Others

demonstrated the full range

Self-Management

of T Skills in this demanding

Work Professionalism

project, which required them to learn a completely new software, Visual Components, and to meet with an ABB representative on a regular basis to provide updates. The students adopted a can-do attitude and conducted themselves with utmost professionalism throughout.

Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving &

CHECK OUT THE FINAL PRODUCT WHICH CAN BE MANIPULATED TO SEE THE BUILDING FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES!

Decision Making WE HAVE REALLY ENJOYED WORKING ON THE ABB PROJECT. IT HAS BEEN VERY CHALLENGING LEARNING THE SOFTWARE, USING WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT ABOUT LEAN MANUFACTURING AND UNDERSTANDING THE ABB PRODUCT AND PROCESS AT THE SAME TIME, BUT THE TEAM HAVE WORKED REALLY WELL TOGETHER AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM US. Matty Bingham, Ryan McGrath, Nathan McCourt

SPECIALIST PROJECT

L3 MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING DOWNPATRICK

OIL TANK CONTENTS INDICATOR Level 3 Mechatronics student Neil Truesdale was tasked planning designing and building a project. With an open brief and after brainstorming and research, Neil decided he would create a project for industry- an oil tank content indicator.

This device will measure the amount of liquid inside a container with the main purpose to show the level of fuel within a home heating system for the consumer. The device is portable and has it's own power source battery pack!

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making I ENJOYED THE CHALLENGE OF PLANNING, RESEARCHING AND PROGRAMMING THE PROJECT. - Neil Truesdale

ENGINEERING APPRENTICES – BANGOR

MEAT & GREET

A MULTIFUNCTION FIREPIT & BBQ Students were tasked with designing and manufacturing a practical, multiuse and attractive fire feature for the garden. This

Matthew Patterson Adam Jackson Luke smith

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism

resulted in 'Meat and Greet' - a

Digital Literacy

design feature that can be used as

Citizenship

a firepit or a barbeque with one

Problem Solving &

simple modification.

Decision Making

The device can be used with different types of wood chips for smoking and flavouring meat or fish when barbequing, and quickly turned into a fire pit to entertain around.

I ENJOYED COMING UP WITH DIFFERENT DESIGN IDEAS AND SEEING THE FINAL RESULT.

L3 MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING - BANGOR

FROM A YOUNG AGE I'VE ALWAYS ENJOYED MAKING THINGS. WHEN I DISCOVERED 3D PRINTING AND CAD IT ALLOWED ME TO DESIGN AND MAKE WHATEVER I WANTED FROM NOTHING. THIS GAVE ME A LOT OF SATISFACTION. AFTER I CREATED SOMETHING, I WAS ABLE TO SAY I MADE THAT. ALONGSIDE THAT I WAS ABLE TO MAKE MONEY FROM A HOBBY I ENJOYED. I AM GAINING A LOT OF EXPERIENCE RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS, HAVING TO KEEP TRACK OF ORDERS AND WORK OUT THE BEST PROCESS FOR MAKING IT AS EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE, I ALSO GAINED FINANCIAL SKILLS WORKING OUT HOW MUCH EACH ITEM NEEDS TO BE SOLD FOR TO MAKE IT WORTHWHILE.

- Jack Moore

3D PRINTING BUSINESS Level 3 Manufacturing Engineering student Jack Moore has utilised his skills developed in 3D printing and CAD to set up his own printing business, designing and manufacturing farming models. By turning his hobby into an income generator, Jack has been able to develop Entrepreneurial skills through running his own business.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy

JACK'S MODELS LOOK AS IF THEY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED BY TOY MANUFACTURER. THEY LOOK SO PROFESSIONAL, THE DETAIL IS OUTSTANDING

Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

- James Cully

L2 & L3 ENGINEERING - LISBURN

F24+ ELECTRIC CAR CHALLENGE

Linas Bernotas Finn Stott Josh Rae Bradley Broome Conor Rafferty

The level 2 and 3 engineering students were presented with an exciting, topical challenge: fabricate and assemble the suspension system for an electric car. The students successfully used a variety of materials to manufacture the system’s different components.

The project will be progressed year on year to promote and contribute to the development of greenpower in the region.

A GREAT EXPERIENCE OF RELATING THIS TASK TO USING DIFFERENT MATERIALS WHEN MANUFACTURING DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF THE CAR. A GREAT EXPERIENCE OF RELATING THIS - Josh Rae

TASK TO USING DIFFERENT MATERIALS WHEN MANUFACTURING DIFFERENT WE WOULD LIKE IT JOSH COMPLETED COMPONENTS OFTO THESEE CARRAE.

AND COMPETING AGAINST OTHER COLLEGES. - Linas Bernotas

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

FOUNDATION DEGREE COMPUTING BANGOR

SUITED & BOOTED APP Foundation degree in Computing were given a client brief by the Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Environment team to create an app that Suited and Booted customers can use to order items for collection.

Sam Kingsbury, Ethan Craig and Jamie Mcguire

This involved the students incorporating the requirements given to them in the brief, reviewing and adapting to create a finished product. Students from Project Space were even involved in a photoshoot for Suited and Booted to get content for this project.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy

"A CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING EXPERIENCE. OPENED OUR EYES TO NEW WAYS OF COLLABORATION AND GAVE US A GLIMPSE OF WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY."

Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

L3 CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

HELPING HEARTS social and emotional development resource

Helping Hearts is a social and emotional development resource developed by Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development students. The students were presented with the challenge of generating a solution to children returning to day care and preschools who may be experiencing strong emotions.

The result was this innovative

Sophie has further progressed one element of the project by working with the Enterprise & Entrepreneurship team to develop the story book. At the moment Sophie is engaged in securing funding to publish this.

Working with Others Self-Management

resource that provides children

Work Professionalism

with a sensory ‘calm down’ box

Digital Literacy

including an emotions cube and story book which was written by one of the students that would allow them to express their emotions.

Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

Morgan McCormick, Leia Hamilton, Sophie Leith Francis, Rachel Noble-Howells and Hannah Williamson

WHEN I BEGAN SERC, I THOUGHT THE PBL PROJECT WAS SIMPLY A 'GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER' ACTIVITY, AND IN FACT, THE PBL PROJECT HAS CATALYSED ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PERIODS OF MY LIFE SO FAR! I NEVER WOULD BE ON MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A PUBLISHED CHILDREN'S AUTHOR AT 19 WITHOUT THE PBL PROJECT, AND I AM SO THANKFUL THAT SERC PROVIDED THE SEED THAT HAS ALLOWED ME TO FLOURISH IN THE LAST YEAR. - Sophie Leith Francis.

FOUNDATION DIPLOMA ART & DESIGN DOWNPATRICK

THREADBEAR Joe Hughes, Sean Maguire, Katelyn Kelly, Gerard OHare, Aimee Polland, Natasha Kennedy, Mia Taggart, Maxine Beighton, Rudi Czerwonik, LilyRose Mathews, Katie Wade, Keri Maginn, Jonathan Pratt, Ellen Magee.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

“Saving the environment and looking fine doing it” (Pratt, 2019).

Threadbear is a Downpatrick Fashion and Textiles student company supported by Innovation Advisor Natasha Lloyd and mentor Keri-Ann Ross, who coordinates. The company is a ‘fresh alternative to up-cycled and eco-friendly textiles and craft products’.

Techniques taught in class and skills from additional outside interest groups and hobbies are applied independently by student teams to develop and produce their own ideas into products.

They source materials and construct these for sale, spending time before and after class as a team to achieve their goals.

The business is now four years old and ranges over four cohorts. Despite being a collaborative company, it also involves independent work from the students supported by the student mentoring system now in place as students’ progress through College.

FOUNDATION DIPLOMA ART & DESIGN DOWNPATRICK

Threadbear acts as an initial

Threadbear have also published work

scaffold to enable the testing of

in all of our SERC catalogues to date

ideas, products, market set-up,

and have produced products every year

and communication with the

for sale in the SERC markets, where

community and customers. All

they have ‘sold out’ on two occasions.

providing the confidence and

Students are encouraged through this

skills to develop a student’s own

company and the enthusiasm from

bespoke business ideas. Indeed

older students has made it a student-

working as part of Threadbear his has resulted in five new business start-ups, three of which are ongoing and independently successful.

Threadbear often collaborates with other specialist areas to achieve a hybrid result for a trending product (masks) or project. So far they have collaborated with media, photography, performing arts, catering, hairdressing, horticulture and theatrical makeup, over four campuses.

CREATING AND RUNNING THREADBEAR ALONGSIDE MY PEERS WAS A BRILLIANT INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. IT HAS ALLOWED ME TO SHARPEN MY COMMUNICATION AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, WHICH I HAVE FOUND USEFUL IN SITUATIONS SUCH AS INTERVIEWS AND GALLERY EXHIBITIONS.

led company where they bring in ideas and products independently, 'wanting'

“Saving the environment and looking fine doing it” (Pratt, 2019).

"HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT THREADBEAR IN THE SPRING SALE HAS GIVEN ME A NEW INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF MARKETING AND SALES. THROUGH COMMUNICATING WITH CUSTOMERS AND SOLVING PROBLEMS REGARDING OUR SALE STRATEGY, I FEEL MUCH MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT MY JOURNEY INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE"

to get involved. Threadbear students achieved a ‘highly commended’ in the Induction PBL fortnight challenge, where they undertook a macramé collaborative project. One student from this group has progressed in semester two and developed her own business ‘Natures Knots’ using the techniques and skills learned through this PBL experience.

IT REALLY GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE CREATING PRODUCTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING, AS SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO MAYBE SELL MY OWN ART WORK IN THE FUTURE ON THE LIKES OF ETSY. IT GAVE ME A REALLY GOOD FEEL FOR WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE WORKING WITHIN THAT FIELD, AND IT TAUGHT ME A LOT OF RELEVANT SKILLS SUCH AS PRICING, UP-CYCLING AND SETTING UP SHOP.

L3 SPA THERAPY - DOWNPATRICK

RENT-A-BED

Working with Others Self-Management

BEAUTY BUSINESS Level 3 Spa students have been given the opportunity to 'rent a bed' at SERC Downpatrick's Decourcey Salon, allowing them to set up their own businesses and encouraging their entrepreneurial skills and qualities. Student's manage their own finances, client base and promotion giving them real world experience of self-employment with support from mentors.

Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

MY LECTURER, FIONA, DISCUSSED WITH THE CLASS AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE ENTREPRENEURS CLUB AND SETTING UP A STUDENT COMPANY. I DECIDED THAT I WOULD TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF STARTING UP MY OWN BUSINESS IN SPA THERAPY AS I WOULD BE SUPPORTED BY A STUDENT COMPANY MENTOR WITHIN THE COLLEGE. I DECIDED UPON MY BUSINESS NAME HANNAH’S BEAUTY BAR AND WAS THEN PUT IN TOUCH WITH THE ENTERPRISE TEAM WHO HELPED ME DESIGN MY BUSINESS LOGO. I TOOK PART IN A SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP PROVIDED THROUGH THE ENTREPRENEURS CLUB AND RECEIVED SUPPORT TO SET UP MY BUSINESS INSTAGRAM PAGE TO ADVERTISE MY SERVICES. EVERY FRIDAY I HAVE RUN THE BUSINESS WITHIN THE COLLEGE WHERE I HAVE RENTED A BED FOR THE DAY AND CARRIED OUT VARIOUS SOA RELATED TREATMENTS. THIS HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL AND IT HAS HELPED ME TO DEVELOP IN MANY AREAS SUCH AS CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION, MOTIVATION, PRACTICAL SKILLS, IT HAS ALSO PROVIDED ME WITH AN INSIGHT AS TO WHAT I NEED TO DO TO ATTRACT AND MAINTAIN CLIENTS, AND MONEY MANAGEMENT IN RELATION TO A BUSINESS. I AM GLAD THAT I TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SET UP MY OWN BUSINESS AND FEEL THAT IT HAS BEEN ADVANTAGEOUS IN BOTH MY PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND CONFIDENCE.

- Hannah Tate

HND PERFORMING ARTS, HND MUSIC, L3 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, L3 DANCE - BANGOR

GLASS UMBRELLA THEATRE COMPANY

ROBINSON CRUSOE PANTOMIME Students from across various

Hana-Lou Jamison,

performing arts programmes

Chloe Crawford, Taylor

Mackenzie Moreland,

rehearsed intensively for 6

Dowling, Kevin Pierce,

weeks before embarking upon

Joel Caproni, Courtney

a 10 show run of a

Chloe Mudd, Kaitlyn

professional pantomime for

Kennedy, Gemma

Gunn, Casey Cree,

McNally, Jordan

the local community.

Hineson, Jodie Giffen,

All shows were sold out, and

Orion Courtney-Lee,

the students gained several

Ben Loughran, Jasmin

Adam Hill, Sam Holt, Grey, Rachel Mullan,

units of study across the

Laurie Kennedy, Benji

programmes, including the

Wallis, Faye Stewart,

transversal skills which were

Rowan Magee, Caolan Donnelly, Ryan Gibson,

under constant development.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship

Flynn Morgan THE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE I HAVE GAINED FROM WORKING ON PANTO THIS YEAR HAS BEEN INVALUABLE. FROM THE CASTING AND REHEARSAL PROCESS RIGHT UP UNTIL THE FINAL PERFORMANCE I FEEL INDUSTRY READY.

- Mackenzie Moreland

I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED PLAYING DRUMS FOR THE PIT BAND AT PANTO, AND ALTHOUGH DRUMS IS NOT MY FIRST INSTRUMENT, AND THE GENRE OF MUSICAL THEATRE A PLACE I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF WORKING, I CAN NOW SEE THE VALUE AND POTENTIAL OF THIS AREA OF EMPLOYMENT.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

- Orion Courtney-Lee

INVESTIGATING THE HEAT PRODUCED DURING THE DECOMPOSITION OF GRASS AND ITS POSSIBLE USES Noami from L3 Applied Science investigated

Naomi Braniff

the heat produced during the decomposition of grass and its possible uses. Noami picked

L3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN APPLIED SCIENCE

the project as they love the environment and wanted to research environmentally friendly materials which could be used to provide energy to homes. Naomi has pushed her understanding and knowledge further by investigating grass as an alternative energy source. Naomi took the lead with the entire project, researching and evaluating methods that would be applicable and safe in our lab, communicating with staff in the college as well as those externally in the farming community. Naomi has shown development of her digital skills through the project using excel for calculations and graphs and producing reports and presentations to communicate her ideas. Overall, her organisational skills and time management have been superb and deserves recognition for her efforts and passion in this project.

I PICKED THE PROJECT AS I LIKE TO CALL MYSELF A LOVER OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND WANTED TO SEE IF I COULD FIND AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MATERIAL A GREAT EXPERIENCE OF RELATING THIS WHICH COULD BE USED TO PROVIDE ENERGY TASK TO USING DIFFERENT MATERIALS TO HOMES. WHEN MANUFACTURING DIFFERENT I COMPONENTS DEVELOPED MY OF PROBLEM-SOLVING THE CAR- JOSH RAE.

SKILLS AS I HAD TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS TO ANY ISSUES THAT AROSE WITHIN MY PROJECT

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

IDENTIFICATION OF WATER HARDNESS AREAS IN NORTH DOWN L3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Harrison Nesbitt Samples of water were obtained from 4 different North Down areas, these were then analysed for calcium concentration, using

I enjoyed carrying out the practical aspects of the project and using spectroscopy and data analysis to analyse my results. The project allowed me to improve my scientific investigation skills, critical thinking skills, time management, organisation and independent work ethic. My confidence in lab work has increased drastically as a result.

UV-Vis spectroscopy. Calcium

Working with Others

concentration is linked to water

Self-Management

hardness. Conclusions were then drawn about the water hardness of the different areas sampled.

Work Professionalism Digital Literacy

Research was also done into the

Citizenship

links of hard water with poor

Problem Solving & Decision Making

health.

- Neil Truesdale

DEVELOPING A STANDARD OPERATING METHOD TO MEASURE THE T-HISTORY OF A

PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL "THIS PROJECT ALLOWED US TO LOOK AT THE TECHNICAL SCIENCE OF THE PHASE CHANGE PROCESS

BY CARRYING OUT DIFFERENT TASKS. WHILE COMPLETING THESE TASKS, WE USED A DATA LOGGER, WHICH WAS A NEW PIECE OF SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT TO US." - Katie Angus "IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OUR ENERGY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND WASTE. DEVELOPING NEW METHODS AND WAYS TO CONSERVE AND REDUCE OUR ENERGY USE IS IMPORTANT FOR A SUSTAINABLE GREEN FUTURE. PCMS ARE A POTENTIAL METHOD TO - Lewis Towe ACHIEVE THESE GOALS. " I ENJOYED THE INSIGHT INTO HOW A SCIENCE INDUSTRY COMPANY WORKS AND THE CHANCE TO DEVELOP A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH WHEN DEALING WITH THE COMPANY.

- Shireen McClelland

L3 ADVANCED TECH IN APPLIED SCIENCE - BANGOR

Level 3 Advanced Tech in

This group have worked with

Applied Science students were tasked with developing an operating method to measure the T-history of a phase change material. The group worked alongside an industry partner to look at the characteristics of a phase change material that the company was importing to use in an energy storage device.

The aim is to produce a standard method for testing the melting and freezing properties of the phase change material that the company will be able to use to quality control the material they import.

an industrial organisation to

Lewis Towe, Kate McCann, Joel Brown, Jake Stothers, Katie Angus, Shireen McClelland

analyse a PCM, in addition to their Foundation Diploma, as part of the Advanced Tech in Applied Science. This is the first year of the Advanced Technical in Applied Science and this project exemplifies the development of vocational and transversal skills developed in the additional time allotted to this programme.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF ORANGE AND LEMON ALONG WITH GREEN TEA & CINNAMON ON INHIBITING AMYLASE AND THE BREAKING DOWN OF STARCH Matthew Shannon

This project investigated the effect of citrus fruits along with green tea and

L3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN APPLIED SCIENCE - LISBURN

cinnamon on inhibiting amylase and stopping starch from being broken down into maltose. If citrus fruits can block the enzyme and prevent maltose being formed, this would be beneficial to someone who is diabetic, as it could be a replacement from pharmaceutical drugs.

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship Problem Solving & Decision Making

“THE FACT THAT WE WERE RESEARCHING AND CARRYING OUT SCIENCE THAT COULD HELP PEOPLE REALLY APPEALED TO ME. WE ALL KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS AFFECTED BY DIABETES AND HOW HARD IT CAN BE FOR THEM AT TIMES. IT WAS EXCITING TO SEE IF I COULD ACHIEVE MY OWN RESULTS BY CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT WHICH WOULD THEN ALLOW ME TO COMPARE MY OWN RESULTS TO PUBLISHED PAPERS AND SEE IF I COULD MATCH OR EVEN GET BETTER RESULTS THAN THEM. ALTHOUGH THE PROJECT TOOK A LONG TIME TO COMPLETE, AND EVEN THOUGH IT TOOK TIME TO ADJUST THE METHOD TO ACHIEVE ACCURATE RESULTS, AND EVEN WHEN SOME WEEKS WHEN WE ACHIEVED EXTREMELY POOR RESULTS WHICH AT TIMES WAS VERY DISHEARTENING, OVER ALL I LOVED THE PROJECT AND THE ENTIRE PROCESS WHICH WE HAD TO GO THROUGH TO ACHIEVE THOSE RESULTS. WHEN IT CAME TO THE POINT WHERE WE HAD TO COMPARE RESULTS WITH RESEARCHED PUBLISHED PAPERS THE JOY WHICH WAS FELT WHEN IT TURNED OUT THE RESULTS WERE BETTER WAS JUST SUCH A SUPER FEELING”

-Matthew Shannon

L3 NATIONAL EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT - LISBURN

Working with Others Self-Management Work Professionalism Digital Literacy Citizenship

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF NON NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES AND IMPROVING BIODIVERSITY WITHIN THE URBAN LANDSCAPE Students investigated the Impact of Non Native/Invasive species within the Bangor, Downpatrick and Lisburn areas and developed strategies to improve local biodiversity in line with local council and government targets.

The aim will be to develop ideas and strategies to maximise Biodiversity within urban areas and reduce the impact of invasive non native species. These will then be reported to your local council.

Problem Solving & Decision Making HNC IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT - BANGOR

AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON HOW A MOVE TO ‘ETHICAL SOURCING’ WILL AFFECT THE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT SECTOR Appropriate care of animals requires a great level of time and resources. In the last few decades there has been a trend towards the use of cheaper international locations for the manufacture and production of goods, and the further outsourcing of supplies to third parties.

While this has reduced the costs of production, in some cases this has resulted in the destruction of natural habitats, increased pollution and poor living conditions for workers.

Student's were given the brief 'The Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Ethics has asked your team to carry out an impact assessment on how a move to ‘ethical sourcing’ will affect the animal management sector. You will need to evaluate the impact this has had on the animal industry and what advice you would give to consumers based on your findings.'

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

SUMMER SHOWCASE

Congratulations to all staff and students who took part in the PBL Summer Showcase and for the continuous work that goes on throughout the year to develop transversal skills and bring projects to life!

SERCENTERPRISE@SERC.AC.UK ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SERC

INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN