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Pursuing a course that leads to real jobs

<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; ">Lauren Willis from Castlereagh recently graduated from Belfast Met with a foundation degree in Travel and Tourism and is urging anyone considering studying at the college to come along to the Full-time open days on January 27 and February 8 at the College&rsquo;s Titanic Quarter Campus</span>
Lauren Willis from Castlereagh recently graduated from Belfast Met with a foundation degree in Travel and Tourism and is urging anyone considering studying at Lauren Willis from Castlereagh recently graduated from Belfast Met with a foundation degree in Travel and Tourism and is urging anyone considering studying at the college to come along to the Full-time open days on January 27 and February 8 at the College’s Titanic Quarter Campus

In a competitive jobs market it can be tough for graduates to make a breakthrough - even if they’re armed with a top class degree. 

However, Belfast Met’s approach vastly increases the prospect of students not only landing employment, but providing the opportunity for them to work at something they’re genuinely passionate about.

As well as having a range of full-time courses delivered by staff with vital industry experience, Belfast Met’s courses are also closely aligned with employer demand, meaning students have a greater chance of getting a job upon leaving college and within their field of expertise.

Lauren Willis, 22, graduated from Belfast Met in November with a foundation degree in Travel and Tourism after previously completing her BTEC Level three at the college.

Lauren, who was also named NI Travel News student of the Year, now works in the visitors’ office of Hillsborough Castle where she completed her placement.

“This has been a fantastic year – I was thrilled to win the award and have had a wonderful day at my graduation – it is also my dad’s birthday which has made it really special,” Lauren said. 

“I really enjoyed my course at Belfast Met – the tutors were fantastic and it has really just confirmed to me that I want to work in this industry.”

The college is at the forefront of ensuring students have the most relevant learning and training suited to their particular skills. A £60 million investment on improving their four campuses across Belfast is allowing this philosophy to flourish, with a more diverse range of courses available than ever before.

Courses on offer range from A Levels, HNDs, apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees and BTEC in various subject areas such as engineering, IT, hospitality, marketing, health and social care, hairdressing and beauty among others. 

Belfast Met’s director of curriculum, Dr Jonathan Heggarty, said: “Students at Belfast Met will also benefit from excellent student support, cheaper higher education fees, a vibrant students’ union and the widest range of courses available for school leavers in Northern Ireland.

“Over 90% of our students would recommend Belfast Met to a member of their family, friend or peer which is a result of us providing industry-focussed courses that prepare people for work and are a direct response to industry requirements.”

“Come to Belfast Met and benefit from smaller classes, student support and cheaper fees for higher education.”

The college has also recently just launched a brand new Level 2 Access to Further Education (Full Time GCSE). The course will be delivered at the city centre Millfield campus for students aged 16 to 18 years-old who have not achieved a grade C in their GCSE English and Maths exams. 

Belfast Met also runs a Skills and Apprenticeship Programme in traditional areas such as joinery, plumbing, hospitality and hairdressing as well as accounting, IT and digital marketing. This allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field to prepare them for the world of work and also earn while they learn.

Anyone considering studying at Belfast Met is encouraged to come along to the upcoming full-time open days on Saturday, January 27 from 9am to 2pm and Thursday, February 8 from 10am to 7pm. 

The events will boast interactive demos, information stands and careers advisors armed with expert advice for those who aren’t sure what study or career path they would like to take.