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T-levels are two-year qualifications designed to equip students with both classroom learning and practical industry experience. Equivalent to three A-levels, they include a substantial industry placement, making them an ideal pathway for those aiming to enter the workforce or continue into further training or study.
This year, we welcomed three T-level students, Benjamin E, Zayan R and Rayyan K, from the nearby Collyer's College to gain hands-on experience and work alongside our teams on a variety of projects. Our T Level students have recently completed their first year of college and will be returning in mid-September to complete the final month of their industry placement with us.
Here's an overview of what the students were working on as part of their placements and what they learned while working in our Horsham office.
Why did you decide to choose the T-Level course in Digital Design and Production?
BE: I chose this course to improve my understanding of computers, from coding to the hardware itself. I chose this course specifically because it provides me with insights into the skills I may need in the real world, as well as providing me with opportunities to adapt my existing skills.
ZR: I chose the Digital Design and Production course because of my interests in this subject area which I have had from a young age. I chose the course not only because find it interesting, but also because it provides me with the opportunity to gain new, valuable skill sets and learn about the different areas within the industry. This knowledge can be used to inform my decisions on about careers or roles I would like to choose in the future.
RK: I chose this course as computers and technology have always fascinated me. In the future, I want to get into a good, well-known company and to dedicate myself to making a positive change to the world.
What encouraged you choose to study a T-Level?
BE: The course provides me with an opportunity to experience the world of work and allows me better to understand a subject that I have always enjoyed.
ZR: I wanted to pursue my interests, to gain a qualification and to understand the different career roles in the industry which can help me to make a more informed decision on the career path I would like to choose.
RK: The T Level course was the best choice for me as it aligned with my future career and aspirations. The course allows me to learn all about computers and business. I will leave the college with industry experience which can be very hard to find.
What kind of projects or tasks have you been involved in during your placement?
BE: During the placement, I’ve worked on an ongoing project to train an AI to detect road issues and defects. I have also looked at implementing the AI into videos, using distance graphs in python to crop images and working to improve my html coding skills.
ZR: One of the tasks I have been involved in during my placement is developing a testing plan for the NEXUS app. The app is being developed with the Malaysian government to allow the public to test their mobile and fixed network performance. Another task I have been lucky to work on is removing the old servers form the server room and removing the hard drives and ram from these servers.
RK: I have learnt how difficult it is to train artificial intelligence. We have spent multiple hours labelling image data to support the AI to understand what a pothole is and to look out for them.
What’s been your favourite part of the experience so far?
BE: Working with a team of people has been interesting and enjoyable. I also enjoyed working independently on the task to implement AI into videos because I can see the parts of the AI that I have influenced through training the model.
ZR: My favourite experience so far has been to work on a wide variety of different tasks which has helped me to gain new skill sets and knowledge. Overall, this will help me to gain new skills which I can apply to projects that I have as part of my course.
RK: Alongside meeting new people and understanding their role in the company, I have enjoyed working with SmartVision and Microsoft Azure labelling. I believe these tasks are fun and it is interesting to have an opportunity to work on current Metricell projects.
Have you learned any new skills or used what you’ve learned at college in a real-world setting?
BE: I’ve improved my knowledge overall about AI through the placement and the T-level coursework has helped to strengthen this too.
ZR: I’ve learnt many new skills, for example how servers work, how they are used and how they are installed.
RK: I've learnt how difficult it can be to train an AI model. Training AI is extremely difficult and time consuming, and there are many people on the team who do these tasks every day.
How has this placement helped you understand what it’s like to work in our industry?
BE: The placement has shown me what it’s like to work in the industry and I have also learned a lot though asking about the experiences of Metricell employees.
ZR: This placement has helped me understand what it's like to work in the industry. I have gained first-hand experience by working on different tasks to improve my understanding.
RK: Working at Metricell has given me a taste of the real word work environment. Being on time is extremely important, as is completing your work on time and to a high standard.
Has this experience influenced your future career plans?
BE: Yes, the experience has shown me the wider aspects of IT and demonstrated how many different job roles are available in the industry.
ZR: Yes, the experience has helped me to better understand the different career paths available in the industry and helped me see what kind of career path I would like to pursue in the future.
RK: Yes, it has shown me all the different types of careers I can choose from.
What advice would you give to other students considering a T Level or industry placement?
BE: Personally, it has made the working world a lot less scary and I believe other students would be equally re-assured after taking this course.
ZR: I would advise other students to choose the course. Not only does it help you to gain valuable skills, but if you're unsure on what career path you would like to choose this can really help you.
RK: The T level is a great course to gain valuable skills and to gain an in-depth understanding of what technology is. The work experience is great and can help people by giving them a taste of the real world.
What’s your favourite thing about the team or the workplace culture?
BE: How easy everyone is to talk to.
ZR: Everyone is nice and respectful and if you need it, they are always happy to help.
RK: Everyone being so friendly and welcoming.
If you could sum up your placement in three words, what would they be?
BE: Beneficial / insightful / engaging
ZR: Interesting / joyful / exciting
RK: Experience / rewarding / inspiring
By hosting T-level placements, Metricell is committed to supporting young people to develop essential workplace skills in a real-world setting. We’re proud to play a part in developing local talent and supporting the next generation of professionals as they prepare for their future careers. We are always keen to provide opportunities that inspire future innovation and growth in the tech and telecoms industries.
From all of us at Metricell, we would like to wish Benjamin, Zayan and Rayyan the best for their studies and future careers!
