Meet Frances, Level 4 Art & Design Alumna

Frances Veltkamp, a former Level 4 Art & Design student at Warrington & Vale Royal College, recently returned to the college to share her experience on the course and how it has helped shape her career in the arts.

After seeking a local college to enhance her existing creative skills, Frances chose Warrington & Vale Royal College for its welcoming environment and strong reputation in the creative arts. Speaking about her time at the college, she said: “The college has such a great atmosphere. As an adult student, I felt welcomed and settled in straight away. The admissions staff were so helpful, and I felt at home in the classroom thanks to my tutors.”

One of the key highlights of the course for Frances was the frequent live brief projects, which provided valuable, real-world experience. These industry-focused tasks enabled her to develop essential professional skills such as client communication and project management, ultimately boosting her confidence and preparing her for life beyond college.

Frances also praised the opportunities available through the Advanced Creative & Digital Skills (ACDS) Academy, where she and her classmates had access to cutting-edge facilities and industry-standard software. This greatly enhanced the quality of their projects and added to an already enriching experience.

When asked if she had any advice for other adults considering returning to education, Frances shared: “Just give it a go! I decided to enrol on this course and it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. It was such a smooth experience and I’ve made friends for life!”

Following her successful completion of the Level 4 course, Frances progressed onto a Master’s in Contemporary Arts at the University of Salford. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and can’t wait to see where her creativity takes her next.