Leeds City College

Understanding what a career in digital looks like is one thing, but experiencing it is another.

Sometimes, you need to be connected to the people who can share their journeys, answer your questions and advise you on the steps to take.

This was the case for 11 T Level students at Leeds City College who attended a three-day careers masterclass hosted by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital earlier this year.

Aimed at introducing the learners to real-world work environments, the trip offered a rare opportunity to explore jobs at DWP, develop industry-specific skills and network with professionals.

Now, as five students begin work placements at DWP Digital, we take a look back to what they got up to.

Day 1: Exploring career opportunities in Digital and IT

The masterclass kicked off with a deep dive into the wide range of digital career roles, providing invaluable insights into different available pathways.

Our students, who study various T Levels in Digital & IT, were introduced to a range of professions, including content design, development operations and digital marketing, and were able to explore what makes each specialism so unique.

Afterwards, industry professionals shared their own career journeys, discussing their roles and how they got to where they are today.

These discussions provided our students with a first-hand look at careers in digital infrastructure and digital communication, helping them to identify and narrow down any careers they would potentially like to pursue.

Day 2: Real-world problem-solving

To broaden their understanding of different specialisms whilst providing a taste of life at DWP, our students were allocated a job specialism and a brief from a client – then tasked with fulfilling it.

The activity required them to work collaboratively, applying design-thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills to come up with an innovative solution.

By presenting their solutions back to a panel, our students not only experienced a glimpse of the ideation aspect of project planning, but gained an example of good client management to draw from in future employment.

Day 3: Preparing for the future

The final day focused on preparing students for the next steps in their careers. All 11 students participated in mock interviews tailored to the roles they aim to pursue in the future.

This provided them with crucial feedback and an opportunity to practise presenting themselves confidently in professional settings, helping to refine their communication skills.

Work placements at DWP Digital

The event concluded with the exciting news that five of the participating students will be starting separate data analytics and digital engagement work placements at DWP Digital in October, allowing them to further hone their skills, gain hands-on experience and build professional connections within the industry.

Events like these play a crucial role in equipping students with practical experience, whilst helping them transition smoothly from education to the workforce.

We’re incredibly proud of our students and excited to see what the future holds for them as they continue their journey in the digital industry.