18 year-old Scott McMillan is an NC Media student at West College Scotland’s Clydebank campus, and was delighted to share his passion for film as a volunteer at the festival.

“Our lecturer Kate always helps us to apply for opportunities like this. Small chances to get into the industry like these are great – you got to start from the bottom to reach the top.”

“The way I see it in the media industry you’re like a tree. You start small, deep down in the soil, but with a little time you can grow to the top; the leaves and the seeds that fall from the tree are the effect you make on people’s lives, and the opportunities you’ll have to give something back.”

Scott has also been accepted as a volunteer film-maker at Glasgow Comic-Con - an opportunity to use the skills learned at college in a real work environment.

“The most exciting thing about this is being the one in charge of the camera – I can’t wait to capture the excitement of the event on film.”

HNC Media & Communications Student Connor Mackenzie, 19 and from Clydebank, also volunteered at the film festival, and had a fantastic experience.

“I really enjoyed working at Glasgow Film Theatre. I haven’t been there much before, and loved the chance to see amazing, unrecognised films which I would never have seen otherwise. The staff and other volunteers there have been great; I loved meeting new people and working alongside them.”

John welcomes visitors to the Festival!

Elsewhere in the College, HNC Creative Industries student John Campbell is also volunteered at the film festival, an experience which he is keen to repeat in the future.

“It' such a defining event for culture and film in Scotland, it was brilliant to be involved. I’ve seen some wonderful films from across the world that I won’t forget. As a student it’s a great opportunity to see the industry in action.”

West College Scotland encourages all students to get real world experience to complement their studies, so look out for more stories of exciting student experiences soon!