Two students studying T Level Digital Production, Design and Development at MC Digital at Middlesbrough College are gaining valuable real-world experience through an industry placement at Big Bite, a leading enterprise WordPress agency based in Teesside.
The placement, which forms an essential part of James and Ibrahim’s T Level qualification, is helping them build confidence, develop industry-ready skills, and gain first-hand insight into professional software development.
For both students, the chance to combine classroom learning with workplace experience was a key reason for choosing to study a T Level – and their time at Big Bite has already proven to be an exciting step toward their future careers!
James said: “I primarily chose to study a T Level because of the work placement – gaining hands-on experience was a big pulling factor for me.
“I’ve been interested in digital for the last five or six years. Coming to one of Middlesbrough College’s Discovery Days really confirmed that it was the right path for me.”
Ibrahim added: “I really wanted to study a course where I could get work experience – it looks great on your CV and helps for future job applications.”
T Levels, equivalent to three A Levels, combine classroom learning with a minimum 45-day industry placement, giving students the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence employers are looking for.
During their time at Big Bite, James and Ibrahim completed mock projects that mirrored the skills and ways of working expected from the agency’s global client base, including Amnesty International, New York Post and the V&A.
James said: “My work placement at Big Bite has been brilliant. I’ve learnt different languages to build websites, starting with front-end development and now moving into back-end work. It’s helped me understand how websites are built from the ground up and what languages are commonly used.
“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is work ethic – I’ve learnt what it’s like to work in a team in a real work environment, gaining confidence and the ability to speak out when needing help.”
Ibrahim added: “We’re learning everything that eventually leads to using WordPress, which is what Big Bite’s clients use. We’ve also taken on projects similar to the work the team does for clients, learning to meet requests, follow professional processes, and apply coding best practices.”
Both students have now successfully completed Big Bite’s in-house Web Development Essentials programme, designed to strengthen students’ skillset, confidence and industry readiness. As part of this, James and Ibrahim learnt the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript and built a strong foundation in coding and design, learning how to build responsive, accessible and engaging websites.
Speaking about their progress, Michael Bertram, Engineering Mentor at Big Bite, said: “Both James and Ibrahim have shown outstanding dedication to their placement with Big Bite and it’s been great to see them progress not only in the key industry skills we are teaching, but in overall confidence and maturity.
“Their achievements reflect not only their individual efforts, but also the success of T Level programmes. Both are now equipped with the skills, tools and confidence to progress in full-stack development.”
For James and Ibrahim, their experience at Big Bite has already proven to be invaluable, helping them prepare for exams, future studies, and life in the workplace.
“The placement has shown me how things work in real life,” said James. “There are guidelines and best practices to follow, and I feel much more prepared for the future workforce now. I wouldn’t feel like I was thrown in at the deep end.”
Ibrahim agreed: “Big Bite has taught me so much, which has already helped in my coursework and exams. The experience is something I’ll definitely use in the future, whether for job interviews, university applications or personal projects.”
Both students plan to pursue careers in software engineering, taking the skills and confidence gained from their T Level and work placement into higher education or employment.
“It’s given me a real understanding of what it’s like to work properly and built my confidence,” said James.
“I’m definitely more confident now,” added Ibrahim. “The practical experience I’ve gained has prepared me for real-world tasks and I’m eager to share that knowledge with others.”
Through partnerships with employers like Big Bite, students like James and Ibrahim are not only learning, but thriving – gaining the experience they need to turn their ambitions into reality.
