Oriana (17) joined the National College Creative Industries (NCCI) in October 2018, having had ‘false starts’ on courses at two other colleges in the previous months.

Oriana hadn’t enjoyed her time towards the end of school and, post-GCSEs, it was proving difficult for her to find a course that felt right. Having decided to join an apprenticeship, Oriana contacted NCCI for help in finding a suitable opportunity. With the support of our Pastoral and Welfare Lead, Luke, Oriana changed her mind and joined the Level 3 Diploma in Production and Performance Arts (Stage Management and Production).

Despite joining the course a few weeks late, Oriana found the course to be exactly what she was looking for. She says: “Everyone was really friendly, and it wasn’t like being at school at all. There’s a real mutual respect amongst students and teachers, and the teachers really listen to what you have to say.”

She continues, “I’m the happiest I have ever been in an education facility and I feel really safe at the National College. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences previously and studying at the National College is so much more adult, and I feel really motivated to succeed. I’ve already learnt so much about stage management and working backstage.”

Oriana plans to continue with the Level 3 Diploma course into the second year when she will be studying for an Extended Diploma. She then plans to apply to drama school or university to reconnect with her passion for acting and comedy. With the skills and experience gained at the National College providing her with a second ‘string to her bow’, Oriana is confident of being able to forge a career in the creative industries in the future.