Lewis O'Regan is now a Residential Social Care Worker in Oberstown Children Detention Campus
A former student of Applied Criminal Justice studies at SETU says the programme has proven invaluable in terms of both his personal and career development.
Lewis O'Regan completed the Level 8 degree in 2025 and has progressed into a full-time role as a residential social care worker in Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Choosing SETU
Outlining his reasons for choosing the course, Lewis said, "I wanted to study this course at SETU because I was interested in looking beyond the offence and understanding the person behind it. I wanted to learn not just why people become involved in crime, but how they can be supported to change and build a better future. That focus on both understanding and rehabilitation really stood out to me when choosing the course."
SWAY Youth Diversion Project
Lewis largely attributes this career progression to the experience he gained during his placement year at SETU. "During my placement I worked in the SWAY youth diversion project which is under Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service. It was there I gained first-hand experience in supporting young people who were at risk of entering or progressing further into the criminal justice system. This experience was a turning point for me, It confirmed that working directly with young people in a care setting was the career path I wanted to pursue. I developed confidence in my ability to engage with young people, manage challenging situations, and contribute positively to their development," Lewis said.
Building on that experience, Lewis was successful in securing a role in Oberstown, after graduating from SETU with a first-class honours degree.
"A key part of the role is building trust and rapport, particularly with young people who may have had negative experiences with authority or support systems in the past. Often, it is the simple, everyday moments that have the greatest impact. Something as small as a game of pool or a game of football can break down barriers, build trust, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations and support.What stands out to me most is the emphasis on seeing the individual behind the behaviour. The work is challenging at times, but it is also extremely rewarding," he commented.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and experiences the course provided, both academically and in practice. The most important lesson I have learned in my career so far is that every young person has their own story, and no matter their past, they deserve the opportunity to move forward and make positive changes
Benefits of Applied Criminal Justice Studies at SETU
Lewis said he owes a lot to what he learned through completing his degree at SETU, "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and experiences the course provided, both academically and in practice. The most important lesson I have learned in my career so far is that every young person has their own story, and no matter their past, they deserve the opportunity to move forward and make positive changes."
Highlights from SETU
Lewis includes friendships, support from lecturers and a great social life among the highlights of his time at SETU, "The friendships I made during my time there are genuinely friendships for life, and they played a huge part in making college such an enjoyable experience.
"A big part of college life for me was the overall atmosphere in Waterford itself. It’s a great student city where everyone knows everyone and there’s always something going on. What also made the experience so positive was the support from lecturers throughout the course. They were always approachable, helpful, and genuinely invested in students doing well, which made a real difference during my time there," he added.
Recommending SETU
Lewis says he would highly recommend SETU to anyone who is looking for a place to study in Ireland, "It offers a really strong balance between academic learning and student life, in a way that makes the transition into university much easier. One of the biggest advantages is how accessible and supportive the environment is. Lecturers and staff are approachable and willing to help, and there is a genuine sense that students are supported throughout their time here."
