Liam’s Story

“My future started here because being at Truro College gave me the tools to build my confidence and the keys to a door that, once opened, sent me on my current journey. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Current role: Operations Manager at Knightor Wines

Course studied: BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT

Years of study: 2017 – 2018

Former Truro College student Liam has forged an impressive career in the wine and hospitality sector, leading operations for one of Cornwall’s best-known wine producers while earning recognition as one of the region’s rising business leaders.

After studying the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT at Truro College in 2017-18, they embarked on a journey that would take them from apprenticeship learner to senior leadership, proving that career paths do not always follow the route you first expect. After College, Liam began a Level 3 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship with Knightor, taking on a supervisory role while also completing Level 2 and Level 3 WSET qualifications in Wine and Spirits.

Career progression came quickly. In 2021, he received two promotions, moving first into management and then into the senior leadership team. A venture to London followed in 2022, where he ran a wine bar on Fleet Street before returning to Knightor in 2023 as Wine Sales Manager.

The role opened doors across the UK and Europe, including visits to the British Embassy in Copenhagen, the UK Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm and business engagements in Belgrade. In October 2024, he was promoted to Operations Manager, overseeing key areas of the business including sales, marketing, production, exports, weddings and events, hospitality operations, retail and visitor experiences.

Looking back, this was not the career he originally anticipated. “Leading a hospitality and drinks brand certainly wasn’t the plan. I thought I’d go to university to study Computer Science, but it’s important to acknowledge that plans and interests change, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to education.”

His achievements have since been recognised nationally and regionally, including being named in both the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce 30 Under 30 and Harper’s Wine & Spirit 30 Under 30 lists. “I am particularly proud of my two 30 Under 30 nods as they capture the breadth of my experiences and achievements since leaving College.”

While qualifications provided valuable foundations, Liam credits Truro College with helping them develop something even more important. “Truro College was instrumental in helping me overcome serious challenges with anxiety.”

Liam also remembers the support of staff, particularly lecturer Sam, whose approachable nature helped create a positive learning environment. Among his favourite memories are the everyday moments spent with friends between lessons. “I vividly remember my Thursday morning free period where a few friends from other courses and I would meet up for coffee. Sometimes it would be hard getting back into study mode afterwards!”

For students considering their next steps, Liam encourages them not to be afraid of changing direction. “It’s okay to try something and find it isn’t the right fit. Don’t get bogged down in defeat. Explore different directions and opportunities. There are so many paths you can take to gain qualifications or build new skills, whether that’s A Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships or other routes. College staff want you to succeed and will support you in becoming the best version of yourself.”

Liam was recently invited to attend our Principal’s Breakfast, recognising the achievements of alumni making a difference across Cornwall.