Middlesbrough College student James Wallace is celebrating his permanent offer of employment after impressing his employer during his 45-day T Level work placement. The talented 18-year-old has been offered a full-time role as a Software Engineer with Middlesbrough-based software engineering firm, Greenlord Studios.
James, from Thornaby, is in his final year at Middlesbrough College studying the T Level Technical qualification in Digital Production Design & Development and has started working for the digital company on a part-time basis whilst he completes his qualification. He’ll begin his full-time post in May on completion of his T Level.
James was the first T Level student that Greenlord Studios worked with, and already the firm are reaping the results of the placement. Joshua Legg, Director and CTO of Greenlord Studios said: “Taking on a T Level student with Middlesbrough College has been an overwhelmingly positive and successful experience. James was a fantastic surprise for us. He is more than capable and progressed quickly to work on real-life tasks with clients during his studies, which was hugely beneficial for our company.
“The T Level placement offered a unique opportunity for us to grow our own talent and shape our workforce, which is why we have continued to work with the College and take on more T Level work placements this year.
“I would encourage other businesses to support a T level student through a work placement and to help develop the next generation of talent. By offering a placement, students gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in industry, and you are directly benefitting too by developing a loyal employee with the skillset required for your business to thrive.
“We are thrilled that James is continuing his career with us, and I’m very proud of him.”
James said: “I’m delighted to have secured a role with Greenlord Studios! I’ve really enjoyed studying my T Level at Middlesbrough College and the 45-day work placement has provided me with the essential hands-on experience in the digital industry.
“All the hard work has now paid off and I couldn’t be more thankful to the College for providing me with the opportunity.
“I would recommend studying T Levels to school leavers, the course has helped me get my foot into the industry I want to work in and it’s a bonus that I’ve secured a role that I love on completion of my placement.”
Middlesbrough College was one of the first institutions selected by Government to deliver T level courses, the pioneering new qualifications which are equivalent to three A Levels. The courses are developed in partnership with local employers and students spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% of their time in the workplace, putting the skills they have learnt into action and getting a real taste of industry.
The T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development is based in Middlesbrough College’s new digital centre – MC Digital. The multi-million-pound facility is home to industry leading programming suites, cyber labs, video editing suites, a games design suite, a full TV and film studio, VR headsets, 360 cameras and more.
There are places available for September 2023 on a range of T Level courses the College offer including business, law, catering, childcare, construction, digital, media, engineering, hair and beauty, health and social care and science. Find out more and apply online here.