South Eastern Regional College (SERC) will hold enrolment days for further education, Traineeship NI and apprenticeship courses on Thursday 20 August from 9am to 5pm and Friday 21 August from 9am to 3pm. The events take place at the college's Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses.

Gary Ritchie, SERC's Deputy Principal Curriculum, said students receiving GCSE results this week and their parents need to be ready to make informed decisions quickly about next steps.

He said applications remain open and places are available on some courses. The college offers vocational training, essential skills, traineeships and paid apprenticeship programmes.

Courses span subjects including animal care, business, healthcare, travel and tourism, art and design, engineering, beauty therapy, electrical installation, professional cookery, performing arts, computing, sport and science.

SERC's careers advisers can provide guidance before the enrolment days. Appointments are free and can be booked by emailing careers@serc.ac.uk, indicating a preferred campus.

Careers staff will also be available on a drop-in, first come first served basis at SERC campuses on 20 and 21 August following GCSE results.

Students awaiting results can visit the college's Enrolment Hub for guidance on next steps.