My name’s Luca Jaworski, and I’m now an Apprentice Technical Engineer at Sharp, working towards becoming an Apprentice Cyber Security Engineer. I studied the T Level Digital Support Services course which lasted two years, at South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) at the Basildon Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon town centre.

I liked the idea of studying for a T Level as it meant I could focus solely on the subject I was interested in, rather than picking up two other subjects alongside it for A Levels. T Levels allow you to choose one subject and achieve the equivalent of three A Levels for that one subject all through a single course. Whereas A Levels require you to complete three subjects and receive one A Level for each.

I chose SECG for my studies because I got the impression that all of the lecturers I had spoken to on the open days were very nice people and more importantly, teachers. I was also really keen on the technology they had to offer, from high-spec computers to physical networking equipment to test.

The best part of the T Level was the industry placement because while it was a nice change of atmosphere from the college one day a week, even more than that, it gave me some good insight on the working day I could expect to experience after college.

The balance of three days in college and a one-day industry placement was the perfect balance in my opinion. It gave me enough time to learn the content and skills in the classroom and then I could practice that in the placement.
I developed a range of different skills at SECG, from technical skills like networking basics to personal skills like teamwork. However, I think the biggest skill I gained was the ability to push myself out of my comfort zone and take risks. Ever since I left college, it has only done me good by taking risks and doing things I’m not comfortable with.

A typical day in the placement would consist of the following tasks:

• Building Windows devices from scratch, even fixing the devices hardware components prior if necessary
• Recycling old components and devices that aren’t suitable for use, while complying with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
• Cleaning devices professionally so they are ready to be sent out to users
• Talking with customers and potential customers about the business and potential customers about the business and what they can offer

The device building prepared me for the time in a workplace where I would have to onboard new users, thus building them a new device. The recycling of old components got me into the habit of complying with legislation and laws when working in the IT industry. Talking to customers definitely gave me good practice in using the correct terminology when speaking to non-technical people and also increased my confidence a lot.

I’m currently working for Sharp, and my role involves a wide variation of different tasks. I manage the deployment of security products to our clients; I test new tools by simulating attacks and payloads and also help to improve processes and playbooks so the team can respond quickly and efficiently. Occasionally, I will respond to security alerts that have been escalated from a security operations centre or helpdesk.

Overall, my T Level has provided me with practical and technical skills, industry experience and most importantly, confidence in public speaking.

I feel more confident after having completed this T Level because it prepared me with the mandatory networking fundamental knowledge that I would then later build on in my career. I would say that if you are contemplating studying a T Level, it’s worth it if you’re curious about an industry and want real-world experience alongside the course.

T Levels are an important alternative because they are a great mix between academic studying and real-world work. Unlike A Levels, you’re exposed to workplace environments before your career, and unlike apprenticeships, you build up knowledge around the industry first. Overall, I’d say T Levels are the perfect choice for being as career ready as possible.

I feel that SECG supported my journey into employment because they were the initial connection between Sharp and I. Also, the lecturers there encouraged and convinced me to attend and ultimately go on to win the Power Platform Challenge competition, which ended up being the reason I was eventually employed by Sharp.

My career ambitions now consist of achieving more qualifications and certifications in Cyber Security, in the hope of advancing into more technical Cyber Security roles, more specifically red teaming.

My name is Finley Wallis, and I studied the T Level in Digital Support Services at South Essex Colleges Group (SECG). I am now working as an IT Support Technician at DH Industries. 

After finishing secondary school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. During lockdown, I developed a strong interest in computers and quickly realised it was something I genuinely enjoyed. Despite having no prior IT experience, I decided to pursue this interest by enrolling on the T Level course, something I now wish I had explored earlier. 

In my first year, I built a great group of friends and began to develop a solid understanding of the course. By my second year, I started a work placement with an organisation called Every Child Online. This experience was particularly meaningful, as my current employer donates recycled hardware to the same organisation, making it feel like a full-circle moment. 

I completed my course with a Merit, and in the same week I finished my exams, I was offered my current role at DH Industries. 

In my role as an IT Support Technician, no two days are the same, which is something I really enjoy. Some days involve responding to support tickets and helping users resolve technical issues, while others are more hands-on, including tasks such as cabling, moving equipment, and supporting on-site projects. I am also beginning to specialise in networking, which has allowed me to apply the theory I learned during my course in a real-world environment. 

Starting in a new workplace was initially daunting, particularly joining a team where others had several years of experience. However, over time I have built confidence and found my place within the team. Like any role in IT, there are always challenges, but I have learned the importance of maintaining a positive, problem-solving mindset and persevering when things do not work straight away. My communication skills have also developed significantly, which has been just as important as building my technical knowledge. 

Looking back, the course was a valuable experience. As part of the first cohort studying this T Level, there were some initial challenges, but by the second year we had all grown in confidence and commitment. Everything I learned has proven useful in my current role, particularly working with systems and tools such as Hyper-V and network switches, which helped me transition smoothly into the workplace. 

I really enjoyed my time at SECG. The facilities, campus, and supportive environment all contributed to a positive experience. Once I knew IT was the path I wanted to follow, I was glad I chose a specialist college, especially one so close to home. I also met some incredible people during my time there, and I am still in touch with many of them today. 

Returning to college to speak with current students was a really rewarding experience. I have stayed in touch with one of my tutors, Tau, who has continued to offer advice and guidance. When I was invited back to speak, both I and my company were keen to be involved. It was great to see how the college has evolved and to learn about new opportunities now available to students. Being able to share my journey and reflect on how far I have come was incredibly valuable, and I hope I was able to inspire others considering a career in IT. 

My advice to students wanting a career in IT is to try and set yourself apart by bringing something unique, whether that is your perspective, approach, or interests. Stay up to date with developments in technology and show genuine enthusiasm for the industry. I would also emphasise the importance of confidence and communication skills. While technical knowledge can be developed over time, strong interpersonal skills are essential in any workplace. 

Looking ahead, I am keen to continue developing within my current company. My goal over the next five years is to become a Network Technician. I am already working towards this and, although it is challenging, it is also very rewarding. I am excited to continue building my skills and to see where this career path takes me.