Will’s Story

“My future started here because Truro and Penwith College gave me the confidence, skills and opportunities to discover my strengths, explore my interests and take my first steps towards a fulfilling career.”

Current role: Partnerships & Communications Officer at Cornwall Council

Course studied: A Levels in English Literature, Law and History

Years of study: 2013 – 2015

For former Penwith College student Will, a passion for communication, people and making a difference has led to a rewarding career supporting communities across Cornwall.

After studying A Levels in English Literature, Law and History at Penwith College between 2013 and 2015, they have gone on to build an impressive career spanning politics, communications and local government.

Now working as a Partnerships & Communications Officer at Cornwall Council, Will’s role involves developing relationships with employers and community organisations, promoting opportunities for local people, creating marketing and communications content, and supporting projects that help people gain skills and move into employment.

Following College, Will studied for a degree in English before beginning his professional career. He spent several years working as a Senior Parliamentary Assistant for a Member of Parliament before joining Cornwall Council after the 2024 General Election.

Reflecting on his journey, Will said: “Each opportunity has helped me to build confidence and broaden my understanding of how effective communication can make a real difference to people’s lives – and this all started with the values that Truro and Penwith College instilled in me.”

While Will always enjoyed writing, communication and working with people, they didn’t have a fixed career path in mind. “Over time, through education, work experience and different roles, I discovered a career that combines all of those elements and allows me to make a positive contribution to the community.”

The skills developed during his time at College continue to play a key role in their career today. Communication, critical thinking, time management, independence and confidence were all strengthened through balancing coursework, exams and extracurricular activities. Presentations and group projects also helped them become comfortable engaging with different audiences.

Will also credited several staff members for helping shape their College experience, including lecturers Demelza, Tamsin, Fiona and Vanessa, tutor Colin, and former Director of Penwith Martin Tucker. “Their guidance helped me to build confidence and reminded me that success often comes from persistence and a willingness to keep learning. In fact, learning never stops!”

One of the achievements he is most proud of since leaving College is his voluntary service as a Town Councillor between 2017 and 2025, becoming both the youngest and longest-serving Deputy Town Mayor from 2021 to 2025. The role provided an opportunity to help shape local priorities, support residents and meet people from across the community.

Looking back, Will’s message to current students is simple: “Don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out straight away. Be open to new opportunities, say yes to experiences that push you outside of your comfort zone, and focus on developing transferable skills.”

Recently, Will returned to the College as a guest at our Principal’s Breakfast, celebrating the achievements of alumni and the positive impact they continue to have across Cornwall’s communities and economy.