Adults/19+

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’m currently touring with electronic soul band Honne, and have been travelling the world with them for three years. We’ve played prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Leeds Festival and BBC Big Weekend in the UK and – further afield – Coachella, Seoul Jazz Festival and Austin City Limits.

I’ve learnt that the best thing you can do is get your head down, work hard and put in the hours – it’s worth it.

I loved Lewisham, as they did plays that were similar and the same standard as those at drama school, which made the transition to higher education much easier.

Sometimes learners will get a ‘lightbulb moment’ which transforms their attitude to studying – and that was certainly the case for Drama student Fiona Oakley.

As time went by and my family started growing up, I decided to try and get a better job, so I came to Lewisham Southwark College. I saw that the college offered vocational courses, which meant I could improve my English and train for a job at the same time.

I have had a huge range of training opportunities in both my workplace and college which has developed skills I couldn’t have imagined I was capable of.