Finley Wallis

My name is Finley Wallis, and I studied the T Level in Digital Support Services at South Essex Colleges Group. I am now working as an IT Support Technician at DH Industries. This is my story.

After finishing secondary school, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do. During lockdown, I developed a strong interest in computers, and it quickly became clear that it was something I really enjoyed. Even though I had no previous experience in IT, I decided to take a chance and enrol on the T Level course. Looking back, it’s something I wish I had explored sooner.

In my first year, I built a good group of friends and began to develop my understanding of IT. By my second year, I started a work placement with Every Child Online. This experience was especially meaningful to me because my current employer supports the same organisation by donating recycled hardware, which makes it feel like everything has come full circle.

I completed the course with a Merit, and in the same week I finished my exams, I was offered my current role as an IT Support Technician at DH Industries.

In my role, no two days are the same, which is something I really enjoy. Some days involve responding to support tickets and helping users resolve technical issues, while others are more hands-on, including tasks like installing cabling, moving equipment and supporting on-site projects. I’ve also started specialising in networking, which has allowed me to apply what I learned on the course in a real working environment.

Starting a new job was challenging at first, especially joining a team with much more experience. However, over time I’ve built my confidence and found my place. I’ve learned that problem-solving is a key part of working in IT, and having a positive mindset is essential when things don’t work straight away. My communication skills have also improved a lot, which is just as important as technical knowledge.

Looking back, the course was a really valuable experience. As part of the first cohort, there were some challenges at the start, but by the second year, we had all grown in confidence. The skills I gained have been directly useful in my job, especially working with systems like Hyper-V and network switches, which helped make the transition into work much easier.

I really enjoyed my time at SECG. The facilities, campus and supportive environment all made a difference. Once I knew IT was the right path for me, I was glad I had chosen a specialist course close to home. I also made some great friends along the way, and I’m still in touch with many of them.

I’ve also had the opportunity to return to the college to speak with current students, which was a really rewarding experience. Staying in contact with my tutor and sharing my journey allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come, and hopefully inspire others thinking about a career in IT.

My advice to students is to try to stand out by bringing something unique, whether that’s your perspective or your interests. Stay up to date with developments in technology and show enthusiasm for the industry. Technical skills are important, but confidence and communication are just as valuable.

Looking ahead, I want to continue progressing in my current role and work towards becoming a Network Technician within the next few years. It’s a challenging path, but it’s also very rewarding, and I’m excited to keep developing my skills.