T Level graduate — Zoe Dimitri Brazil

Zoe completed the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level at La Retraite Sixth Form in South London, and has now secured a Level 4 apprenticeship with the Lloyds Banking Group

Why did you decide to pursue a T Level course?

I considered studying the Digital T Level after my business studies teacher in year 11 recommended it, believing it would be a good fit for me. At that time, I was feeling quite lost about my career path and was unsure of what would suit me best.

Trusting my teacher's advice, I decided to do more research on T Levels.

As I learned more about them, I realised that they offered a unique and practical way of learning, combining both classroom education and hands-on experience.

Additionally, I found that pursuing an apprenticeship aligned better with my goals, as it would allow me to gain valuable work experience right away without incurring significant university debt.

Why did you choose this course?

I believed that pursuing a technology-related programme would be a great choice, offering numerous opportunities after I'd finished, while opening up a range of job prospects. Additionally, I've always been deeply fascinated by the inner workings of technology.

How is the T Level course structured?

Similar to A-levels, T Levels are divided into three parts, all of which are focused on technical subjects. These parts include a business component, a coding-intensive section, and a segment dedicated to law and legislation in the tech industry.

In order to complete the T Level, you're required to complete an industry placement within your chosen sector over a 45-day period.

How is college life different from school?

I attended a sixth form institution to do my T Level course, and interestingly, it shared some similarities with my secondary school life. However, what made it stand out was the opportunity to focus intensely on a single subject, which was a stark contrast to the juggling act of handling five GCSE subjects simultaneously during my previous school years.

This tailored approach allowed me to delve deep into my chosen field of digital production, design, and development. It was a chance to immerse myself in the subject matter, exploring advanced concepts and gaining a profound understanding of the digital sector.

What do you plan to do after completing your T Level?

I've secured an apprenticeship opportunity with the Lloyds Banking Group in Bristol, where I will be dedicated to honing my skills as a business analyst. This opportunity arose from my placement with the employer, during which they offered me a Level 4 apprenticeship.

What advice would you give to others considering T-levels?

• Stand out during your placement, as this can greatly benefit you. It may lead to potential opportunities such as a job, internship or apprenticeship.
• Create a LinkedIn account to share and upload posts about your journey. This will help you to connect with people and expand your network, which can open more opportunities for you.
• Believe in yourself and your abilities, as with the right mindset and effort, you can accomplish great things. Trust your journey and embrace the opportunities that come your way, and you'll find success on your chosen path.

Find out more

• Discover whether a T Level qualification is for you.
• Consider a career in the technology sector.
• Read about the latest T Level courses at GOV.UK.