Lily Rayner remembers gaming since the age of four and growing up with her family playing on the PlayStation and other platforms. From this grew an interest in IT, and she joined Leicester College to study a T Level in Digital Support Services.

Glad to pick Leicester College

Lily initially only chose Leicester College as a Post-16 back up option. “I’m really glad that I selected the Leicester College course – it has a lot more work experience and theory than at other colleges,” says Lily.

“During the course, I have learned some core skills that have helped to strengthen my IT knowledge including cybersecurity, malware, servers and virtual machines. I have really enjoyed PC building and the theory side has been really fun, too.”

Work experience is key

Lily continues: “I would highly recommend this course for young people who are interested in IT, especially those who are seeking work experience as part of their course because without work experience, it’s difficult to get into jobs in the industry.”

Looking ahead to the summer and beyond

“After having completed the course, I will be working as an IT technician at Gateway College in a temporary position this summer after having done work experience there during the course. I’ve been helping with imaging PCs, operating systems, cable management and troubleshooting.

 “I would next like to go to university to study cyber security and once I graduate, I hope to move to the US to work in the industry as it will lead to more opportunities,” Lily concludes.