I am currently in my second year of studying a T-Level in Digital Support Services. I’ve always been interested in technology and enjoy using it. I also like to find fixes and workarounds to technical problems, as I enjoy facing new challenges.
Doing this course has allowed me to develop both my technical skills and my confidence in a real work environment.
When looking around at courses at the college on open days, I always knew I wanted to do something IT-related -I just wasn’t sure what exactly. I chose T-Levels because I wanted a qualification that combined classroom learning with real industry experience. The idea of doing a substantial work placement really appealed to me, as it felt like the best way to build practical skills and understand what the outside world of work is really like.
I completed my placement at King’s School Rochester, where I worked as an IT Assistant. I was part of the IT department and had the chance to work alongside experienced professionals and get involved in genuine day-to-day tasks.
During the placement, I was responsible for shadowing team members, assisting with helpdesk tickets, supporting students and staff, and working on projects for the future. I was trusted with real responsibilities, which helped me understand how the business works behind the scenes.
I developed a range of skills, including:
Technical skills: software troubleshooting, software installation and configuration, operating system support, network basics, user account management, device setup, and ticketing systems.
Communication skills: customer support skills, translating technical language into non-technical language, and team collaboration.
Organisational skills: time management, documentation, and following procedures.
Problem-solving skills: logical troubleshooting, independent thinking, and attention to detail.
Throughout my time there, I learned lots of different skills that will be important for me to use in the future.
Now that I am working there, my job role is Junior IT Technician. This involves independently managing the school’s helpdesk system and supporting students and staff with their technical problems. I will also continue to build on what I learned during my placement.
The college supported me by helping me prepare for the placement, checking in regularly, ensuring I felt confident before starting, and even doing practice interviews to prepare me for the real interview. They also provided guidance if I had any questions or needed advice during the placement.
My tutors, Alex and James, were super helpful throughout the process and the build-up to it. They checked in on how things were going and made sure my placement linked well with what we were learning in class. They were always available if I needed help with anything.
I’d definitely recommend a T-Level. It gives you real experience that employers value and helps you understand exactly what working in the industry is like. It’s a great way to build confidence and skills, and it opens doors to jobs, apprenticeships, or further study. If you’re unsure, I’d say give it a chance - the placement alone is incredibly valuable.
