16-18

Music is a subject you study because you love it – which might not go for every subject. It’s an area where you can really unleash your creative streak and it allows you to work in a really cool industry.

Blackheath-based Toby Ott, 24, has been blind from birth - but this hasn’t stopped him pursuing further and higher education qualifications.

I’ve enjoyed going back to college at Lewisham Southwark College where the tutors have been really supportive and I have made some great friends. I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone who’s thinking about it.

The course tutors are amazing and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have got this job.

I’m only three months into my one-year apprenticeship, and have learnt a lot in that time. The more I work, the more comfortable and confident I feel in my role.

I’m so glad I chose the path I did – studying such a vocational course at Southwark College was great for my CV, and now I’m doing the job I always wanted to do.

My apprenticeship helped me, by giving me the chance to learn and earn. As well as having the opportunity to work within a professional working environment: and this was beneficial as it helped me widen my vocabulary and also my knowledge of the workplace, which contributes to understanding my job role I am currently in.

I chose to study at Lewisham Southwark College because it was the only College nearby that specialised in Performing Arts. The course included Drama, dancing and singing, all of which I was keen to pursue.