“It feels amazing to be working in the music industry just a few months after finishing my course!” said 21-year-old Akira Osborne who studied for his UAL Level 2 and Level 3 extended diplomas in music performance and production and completed his qualifications in June 2018.
Akira, who is now working for an audio visual company, added: “I’ve had a passion for music since a young age and wanted to expand my knowledge and make it my career.
“I chose to study at college rather than stopping on at school as it offered the facilities and hands-on learning that I wanted. The environment is completely different to school too – I felt welcome and respected, built a good working relationship with my tutors who were specialists in their area, and the timetable was more relaxed meaning I could combine studying with my hobbies and other commitments more easily.
“Throughout the course I gained a vast wealth of knowledge and experience that prepared me for my current job – I learnt how to conduct myself in the industry, developed team work and communication skills and, through working on projects with BBC Introducing (WM) and organising and delivering our own gigs, I got the opportunity to use a range of equipment in real work settings and gained the ability to manage clients and their needs effectively and professionally.
“I’m now working as an AV warehouse technician preparing equipment for clients, assisting colleagues in setting up staging and PA systems, programming lights and de-rigging, and am already being trained to handle more complex jobs.
“I never thought I’d be doing a job like this and I’m grateful for the position I’m in. I count every day as a blessing and wouldn’t be here without the college and the amazing support and dedication of the staff.”
