A T Level industry placement with Lifecycle Software has provided Newbury College student, Liam Kidd, with real insight into working life in the digital sector, while also supporting the company’s goals of nurturing emerging talent.
As part of his T Level Digital Support Services programme, Liam spent several weeks embedded within the company’s operations, where he explored core aspects of IT infrastructure, under the mentorship of Ross Devereux, IT Systems Manager. Liam tackled tasks such as analysing the company’s customer relationship management (CRM) system and presenting his findings on potential vulnerabilities.
Reflecting this experience, Liam said:
“Giving that presentation was a real highlight. It helped build my confidence and showed me what working in this industry could be like.”
He also deepened his understanding of cloud computing through structured training modules, and had the opportunity to refine essential workplace skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Ross Devereux, IT Systems Manager at Lifecycle Software, praised the benefits of industry placements:
“Taking students on placements offers our company fresh perspectives, valuable support, and a pipeline for future talent, while also enhancing our team's mentoring capabilities. I myself started at Lifecycle as a placement student, and we’ve successfully hired over 20 former placements into full-time roles over the years, some of which are still with us today.”
Industry placements are a vital part of T Level programmes, enabling students to apply their classroom learning in real workplace settings and develop the practical skills that employers value. These placements also provide businesses with a cost-effective way to invest in future talent, and help existing staff build confidence in leadership and mentoring roles.
Liam’s experience, along with Newbury College’s commitment to working closely with employers, shows how structured, real-world learning can contribute positively to career progression and business development.
To find out more about how your organisation can support T Level placements and help develop future talent, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/employers