Stay Local, Think Big: Amber’s Higher Education Success Story

Amber’s story first started when she enrolled on a Level 3 Games Development course after leaving school.

Working her way through the levels, she is now close to completing the second year of a Foundation Degree in 3D Art and Games Development, building an exciting future in the games industry.

Her experience shows just how valuable it can be to study closer to home, with the support and flexibility that comes from a college-based HE course.

“I chose to study here because the tutors know my strengths and how to support me,” she says.

One of the biggest benefits for Amber has been the variety of skills she’s been able to develop.

From coding, drawing, 3D modeling, lighting to animation, "It's so diverse,” said Amber.

“You build up so many different skills that it makes you more open to more opportunities rather than just focusing on one thing like you might at a traditional university."

She’s been able to explore different areas such as UI design, programming and creative development—helping her discover where her strengths and interests really lie.

Amber also found the learning structure to be a major advantage. With a “block learning” timetable, lessons are grouped together in a focused way, cutting down on unnecessary travel and helping students make the most of their time.

Just as important has been the support from tutors, who already understand students’ abilities and know how to help them progress. This personalised approach is something that makes studying HE at college a unique and rewarding experience.

Next, Amber has her sights set on a career in UI and 3D modelling, and has a message for other women thinking about following in her footsteps.

“It might seem like a male-dominated industry, but more and more women are rising up,” she says. “Why shouldn’t it be someone like us involved in these projects and making a name for ourselves?”

Amber’s journey is a great example of how adult learning and HE courses at college can open doors, offering practical skills, supportive teaching and clear routes into industry careers.

If you’re thinking about your next step, whether that’s finding your next course with us, returning to education or starting a degree locally, now is the perfect time to explore what’s possible.

To see the range of HE courses available across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, visit: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/course-type/degrees-higher-education

If you have been out of education for a while and are worried that HE might not be for you, Coleg Llandrillo is hosting a FREE academic skills taster course to help prepare you for that step up into HE. You need to be over the age of 21 to take part and not already hold a Level 4 qualification.

You can join the course at our Rhyl campus on the 1st and 2nd June or at Rhos-on-Sea on the 3rd and 4th June. This two-day course, from 9am-3pm, will help you build confidence and cover key skills like digital literacy, research, referencing, numeracy and literacy.

Interested? Email HE Officer Rebecca Day at day2r@gllm.ac.uk to register or get further information.