"I’ve enjoyed going back to college at Lewisham Southwark College where the tutors have been really supportive and I have made some great friends. I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone who’s thinking about it."

"My top tips to young aspiring actors are as follows: you have to be thick-skinned and passionate. Remember you’re not going to get everything you want. Think about longevity; love what you do. Remember to do something that you love."

"If I were to give advice to others considering performing arts, I’d say be yourself, don’t worry about what others think. Being different makes you unique. Work hard and take every opportunity that comes your way and don’t stress out – enjoy your time learning and believe in yourself."

"The course has given me a new life and made me believe that I can do what I want to do. Now the course is coming to an end, I can honestly look back and say that I’m pleased I took the step to further my education."

"Southwark College is a vibrant place where you get prepared for the world outside of education. When I was there I was in the company of good friends, I had an amazing tutor, and we were all doing what we loved to do. It was hard work but it didn’t feel like it."

"Music is a subject you study because you love it – which might not go for every subject. It’s an area where you can really unleash your creative streak and it allows you to work in a really cool industry."

I decided to take this course because it would help my confidence, to learn new skills and make new friends.

"The course at Lewisham Southwark College has changed my life. I feel like I’ve really grown, been challenged, exposed, and come out the other side. I owe nearly everything I’ve achieved this year to Karla and the College."

"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."

"One of the things the College has taught me is to set my goals much higher because you never know what you can achieve until you try. Once I have some experience, my plan is to set up my own theatre company and work with people from different cultures around the world."

"Airlines aim to build professional and well groomed air crew so in order to pass these interviews you need to look like the part and sell yourself. One of the things I learned at College was how to stand out in these interviews."

"I always knew I wanted to perform, and Southwark College helped me further my dance training, I learned a variety of dance styles and was given extra singing lessons so I kept up those skills too."

"I chose to study at Lewisham Southwark College because it was the only College nearby that specialised in Performing Arts. The course included Drama, dancing and singing, all of which I was keen to pursue."

"I’ve become more confident and more accepting of things that I may not be able to control, I’ve learnt to use my time well, valuing my time here and enjoying every minute that happens."

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