An art student has landed a dream job with the National Theatre London, as an Apprentice Prop Maker.

19-year-old Syeda Bukhari, of Sturge Ave, Walthamstow, studied the BTEC Level 3 in Art & Design at Waltham Forest College and set her future ambition on being employed in the Creative Arts Industry.

She will now work with a team of prop makers on projects like War Horse and Wonder.Land at the National Theatre.

The competition was fierce as she was selected from a staggering 500 applicants, but Syeda rose to the challenge and succeeded in being shorted listed for a rigorous interview process.

The interview tested a variety of skills and knowledge, where she had to build a 3D sculpture, create a technical drawing and make a pillowcase, all in a space of just three hours.

With an investment of £5.6 million, The Creative department at the college has acquired state-of-the-art classrooms for Art & Design, Fashion, Textiles and Interactive Media courses.

She said: “I felt so privileged to have this opportunity; I was up against hundreds of people.

“I also had to make a 3D sculpture, which I found I was confident in as I learned this at College.”

She added: “The college has helped me prepare my portfolios and provided me with the skills in Art, which helps me in my job.

“My job is really practical and it’s given me a lot of experience and hands on practice. I am also getting a further qualification at College in Level 2 Design.

“In the future I want become a Freelance Prop Maker.”