Nick Francis knew he needed to re-enter the education system if he was going to get a job he was passionate about.
With little education beyond his GCSEs, he pinned a rejection letter from a university application to his wall, and used it as motivation to find a foothold to his future.
With an interest in the music industry, Nick applied for Coleg Sir Gâr’s extended diploma in music technology. “The college was incredibly welcoming of me,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be eligible because of my age but the college’s flexibility is what helped me to return to education.”
Being a mature student, Nick realised his second chance wasn’t to be missed and got involved in college activities and was soon voted as Student Union president which involved supporting students and being part of management meetings offering students a voice. He also ran a live music even t in aid of Oxjam.
Nick Francis said: “My experience of the course was pretty great in all honesty and my experience of college was pretty amazing.
“Mastering skills such as grammar and structuring assignments was also beneficial before starting a university education.”
Following a successful application to London Met University, Nick has this year graduated with a first class honours degree in film and broadcast production.
As a result of his educational journey, Nick has won Adzuna’s Graduate of the Year award, a UK and international accolade which receives thousands of entries worldwide.
He has also set-up Bespoke Insight Media, a freelance filmmaking company as well as receiving an employment offer from the Students Union at London Metropolitan University to prepare their media content for the next academic year.