Jared loving his Liverpool adventure

UClan Event Management undergraduate Jared Handley is currently on work placement with Liverpool Culture, where he's involved in some of the major events being held in the city this year.

Having helped with the Chinese New Year celebrations, Jared is now working on the 'Three Queens' event, where Cunard's famous cruise ships - Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 - meet on the River Mersey for the very first time to celebrate its 175th anniversary.

Jared commented: "I've been involved in meetings with all the different agencies including Police and Fire, and even the Harbour Master.

"There's only a short window when the tide is high enough, so we have to be ready. This is certainly something you don't learn from a textbook."

Jared will be kept busy over the summer working on the Liverpool International Music Festival plus numerous other smaller events, before he returns to UCLan in September to resume his studies. The internship is mainly unpaid, although Jared is paid for the events he works on, but he values the experience he's gaining.

"Doing a placement year is a no-brainer," said Jared. "I've been at Culture Liverpool for almost twelve weeks, and despite it being such a short length of time I've picked up invaluable tips and learnt many a lesson.

"Initially I was reluctant to take a placement without a salary, but I've gained something which we all take for granted, something much more valuable - industry professionals' expertise, help, guidance and the experience that will impress any future employer.

"Each day presents a different challenge, and often it's hard to keep up with what's going on, but I enjoy it. I never imagined I'd be involved in events of this scale. It's truly awesome."