Local Student Advances in IT Career Through T Level Course

From college placement to degree apprenticeship in technology

A Leeds student has taken significant steps towards a career in information technology after completing a Cyber Security and Networking T Level course. Saffy Blellock recently finished her studies at Leeds City College, which included an industry placement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital team in Leeds.

During her placement, Saffy worked on various projects involving data analysis and trends, and contributed to creating an online knowledge article about installing Adobe applications. She described the experience as positive, noting the welcoming environment and the opportunity to apply her skills in a professional setting.

Ambassadorial roles and career aspirations

While at college, Saffy also served as a T Level and STEM Ambassador. In this role, she engaged with younger students and schoolchildren to discuss the benefits of T Levels and careers in technology. She plans to continue similar ambassadorial work during her current degree apprenticeship.

Saffy is now in the first year of a Degree Apprenticeship in Technology Services, working with Accenture in Leeds and studying remotely through BPP University. She aims to become a Cyber First ambassador, promoting cyber security awareness in schools.

Flexible learning and career options

• The degree apprenticeship combines four days of work at Accenture with one day of university study each week.
• The course offers a broad foundation in IT, with opportunities to specialise in the final year.
• Accenture has introduced Saffy to various departments and projects within the company to help her explore different career paths.

Saffy expressed enthusiasm for problem-solving and an interest in cyber security, but remains open to exploring various areas within the IT sector as her career develops.