Supporting T Levels and careers: Digital Industry Placements at Durham

As part of the T-Level Digital Programme, students undertake a minimum of 315 hours of work placement in industry.

Durham University Computing and Information Services (CIS), specifically the Information Services section, have facilitated eight successful T-level student placements undertaking the Digital Production, Design and Development pathway. 

The students have predominantly worked in four different areas: Collaboration & AI, Integrations & Patching, Business Management Information Services and Data Analytics.

Benjamin Hodgson, Industry Placements Lead, CIS, Durham University, said:

"The students have all demonstrated an eagerness to learn and were able to rapidly develop new skills in applications and technologies such as SaaS systems, Azure Dataverse, Power BI, PowerApps, vulnerability management tools and Python. The students have been overseen by four team managers and a ‘buddy’ from those teams. This ensured there was always someone on hand to ensure their wellbeing and provide professional and technical support. The buddies helped familiarise the students with their surroundings and workloads and made themselves available to answer the students’ questions and provide support.

"We also arranged sessions for the students to experience other areas of the department and wider University, for example shadowing in the CIS field teams, service desk and audio-visual support team, a 5-day coding experience with the Advanced Research Computing team and professional development sessions including project management, lean tools, testing, agile delivery, IT asset management and equality, diversity and inclusion."

Dylan Milburn, T-Level Digital Student at East College Durham, said:

"Thanks to the college’s support, I secured a placement at Durham University, giving me hands on experience and confidence to apply academic understanding into real-world situations.  Initially considering a university study pathway, the T Level experience has convinced me that a degree apprenticeship is the perfect path for me. I’m excited to continue learning, expanding my knowledge, and earning at the same time.

"During my time on my work placement at Durham University, I gained a variety of valuable skills that have enhanced my professional development. I became proficient in various software such as Microsoft Power BI by turning complex data into clear, informative dashboards. By using these skills, they allowed me to work on real life projects which taught me project management skills, including planning, executing, and delivering projects within a given timescale while collaborating with the CIS team, this allowed me to build upon my teamwork and communication skills.

"I also gained hands-on experience with AI and chatbot implementation to ensure data was kept accurate and understanding the latest AI technologies. Having the opportunity to work on the IT service desk allowed me to grow both my IT support and troubleshooting skills. The placement provided opportunities to build professional rapport and network within the industry that prepared me well for my future in the IT sector."