Travel and Tourism alumnus, Oliver Walker recently returned to OSFC to speak with current Extended Diploma T&T students about his journey after college and working for the global hospitality company, Hilton. Oliver has worked for the company for over three years now, gaining this opportunity off the back of his second year work experience as part of his course. He has advanced from apprenticeship level to recently being promoted to a Supervisor position. Oliver gave the students a valuable insight into the hospitality sector, drawing on his day to day experiences working for Hilton. Oliver stated that “Working for Hilton is a very interesting and exciting experience - working for one of the biggest hotel chains in the world, there is never a quiet moment! I find working in the Conference and Events team is very diverse, you never know what each event can bring from one day to the next.” Following his successful studies at college gaining impressive triple distinction star grades, Oliver began a full time apprenticeship with Hilton Manchester Deansgate in November 2019. He worked in the conference and events team gaining valuable practical on the job experience. Unfortunately, Covid-19 interrupted his studies in March 2020 when the hospitality sector was severely impacted. Thankfully, in November 2020, he was able to continue with his course off site and continue working towards his qualifications. In May of 2021, Oliver was able to return to work, moving through many of the various Food and Beverage departments including the Podium Restaurant and Cloud 23. This allowed him to build upon his experiences across a wider area of the hospitality industry. When the Conference and Events department reopened in June 2022, he returned to his original role and was soon offered a promotion to Supervisor. Oliver thoroughly enjoyed his time at college, in particular he remembers fondly the variety of opportunities that were made available to students to ensure they went onto be successful and the lifelong friendships that he made. He also benefited from being able to immerse himself in several departmental trips and the annual 5 day residential visit to Spain. Oliver’s advice for students thinking about moving on to an apprenticeship is make sure to seize the opportunity. Apprenticeships are an exciting way to get your qualifications whilst immersing yourself in your chosen sector; “The reason I wanted to do an apprenticeship is because it was an alternative to university, whilst at the same time I could work in the sector that I love and be able to study the area of the hospitality industry that I’m interested in.”

"OSFC was the perfect bridge between school and university. I liked the freedom of studying subjects I enjoyed and managing my own time to ensure I was in control of the work that needed doing. The staff were always really supportive and eager to help which made studying enjoyable."

OSFC alumna, Niamh Oultram visited college recently to inspire current students interested in a career in Radiography. Niamh achieved an incredible A*AA in her results for A Level Chemistry, Biology and History in 2019. She then progressed onto study for a degree in Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology at the University of Liverpool, having always known she wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare sector. Following her graduation in July 2022, Niamh started working as a Therapeutic Radiographer at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. Her role involves delivering high energy x-rays to treat cancer, working with millimetre accuracy to ensure that tumours have been targeted correctly. Therapeutic Radiographers work on linear accelerators which deliver the radiation and in pre-treatment to help plan the radiography plans for patients. The role also encompasses unique clinical skills as well as building rapport with patients as they can be on daily treatment for up to 6 weeks. During her visit Niamh discussed in detail her time at university and the role of a Therapeutic Radiographer. She gave students a real insight into what studying for a degree in Radiography would involve, talking them through the various topics covered, placement options and what day-to-day university life is like. She talked about the importance of the final year research project and the process involved in writing a dissertation. Niamh was open and honest about the difficulties she faced studying for her degree during Covid-19 as well as the emotional challenges that she has faced with working with cancer patients who have received terminal diagnoses. Niamh offered application and interview advice to students, focusing on how vital your initial personal statement is.. Niamh would advise all students during their time at college to get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible. She feels it was these extra activities that really helped to boost her university application and widen her skillset.

"I was a student at Oldham Sixth Form College from 2013 to 2015. I studied History, English Language and Literature, Media Studies and Film Studies. During my time at OSFC, I was involved in the Student Ambassador programme and went on the annual trip to Berlin and Krakow. I very much enjoyed my time at college and I’m grateful for the education I received. It helped me decide what I wanted to study at university, and my current academic research very much relates to the subjects and content I learnt at OSFC. Although my two years at college seemed to go by quickly, I cannot underestimate how important the skills and knowledge I learnt were and how much they helped me to transition to university life."

I am currently a PhD student in Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge (Christ’s College). My research broadly focuses on the interplay between communication technologies, peacebuilding and civil society. In particular, I am looking at the impact of social media upon unofficial peacebuilding efforts facilitated by civil society organisations, with a focus on the Cypriot conflict. Aside from carrying out the research, I am beginning to teach undergraduate students in diverse areas of international relations, such as the role of nongovernmental organisations on the world stage. I have also started publishing academic journal articles relating to my research. I am fully funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) on a 1+3 integrated programme. This means I was at Cambridge studying a master’s degree, in the same subject, before embarking on the PhD. Over the summer of 2022, I will also be working as an intern at the Government’s Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Based in their International Analysis Team, I will be carrying out research and analysis in support of new digital trade policy, designed to further the United Kingdom’s trade objectives and influence the international digital sector to avoid the emergence of non-tariff barriers. Prior to arriving at Cambridge, I spent five years at Bangor University in North Wales. I studied my undergraduate degree there, in History with Journalism, before being elected in a full campus ballot to the University’s Student Union. This included one term as Student Union President. In this role, I was heavily involved in the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by feeding into new guidelines relating to online teaching and learning.