Case Study
Nicole Cameron: How a Higher Level Apprenticeship Helped Find Her Passion in Events
Swapping careers may feel like a big step, but for Nicole Cameron, it allowed her to follow her passions.
After years of working in Occupational Therapy, Nicole began her new career with a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management.
Read more about Nicole's journey, her time at Belfast Met and her current role at Northern Lights Event Hire!
Why did you choose to study a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Event Management?
Back in September 2023, I took the bold (and frightening) step of leaving my career in Occupational Therapy. This was after six and a half years working with NHS trusts in Northern Ireland, followed by an incredible eighteen months working for the States of Jersey Health and Social Services in the Channel Islands. Moving back home from Jersey, I knew it was now or never to pursue something I felt passionate about.
I did my research and found the Higher Level Apprenticeship route in Event Management at Belfast Met. I was delighted that the apprenticeships were for all ages given that I would now be a mature student. Returning to full-time education didn’t fit with my lifestyle given that I was used to earning a full-time wage and didn’t thrive in full-time university study the first time around.
What have been the benefits to studying a Higher Level Apprenticeship?
There have been so many! One of my lecturers at the College put me in touch with my employer (Northern Lights Event Hire) ultimately allowing me to begin the course and employment in the events industry. Belfast Met's links to the industry are excellent. I owe so much to the lecturers and the College for helping me in those early stages!
Personally, and professionally, I have found that the apprenticeship route has boosted my motivation and my confidence. Having the theory to support what you do every day in employment gives a new level of credibility to your work. Clients that I work with notice too!
What advice would you give to those thinking of studying a Higher Level Apprenticeship?
Do your research on the course and attend the pre-entry advice sessions that Belfast Met offer. Find out what modules you will study, as we all know that when you’re interested in something the chances are, you will engage and succeed! Whether you are in employment in the industry you want to be in, or planning to change career like I did, invest in yourself and your future with a Higher Level Apprenticeship!
How has Belfast Met and your employer helped on your journey?
In terms of my previous study, I was the typical procrastinator and last-minute student. My experience with Belfast Met has been so different! I have the level of support that I need to succeed and the accountability that I require. There is no way that I can fall behind as the lecturers are excellent at breaking down the assignments and exam preparations into manageable parts. Classes are industry based and applicable to everyday work situations which I particularly enjoy.
I am so grateful to my employer for giving me the opportunity initially and continually supporting my journey as a Higher Level Apprentice in Event Management. Northern Lights Event Hire is an experienced event hire and management company based in Northern Ireland. They have taken the time to teach me the basics and given me opportunities to grow and develop skills essential to my role. I have got to be a part of so many different types of events and learned so much. An employer who invests in their staff’s skills and supports their professional journey reap the benefits. I can’t wait to see what the future holds at Northern Lights Event Hire!
Find out more about our Higher Level Apprenticeship in Event Management.