Luca Jaworski

My T Level journey

My name is Luca Jaworski, and I am now an Apprentice Technical Engineer at Sharp, working towards becoming a Cyber Security Engineer. I studied the T Level in Digital Support Services at South Essex Colleges Group, based at the Basildon Centre for Digital Technologies.

I chose to study a T Level because I liked the idea of focusing on one subject I was genuinely interested in, rather than splitting my time across several subjects. The course gave me the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and practical skills in a field I wanted to build a career in.

I was also really impressed with the college when I attended open days. The tutors were approachable and supportive, and the facilities stood out, especially the high-spec computers and networking equipment. It felt like the right place to learn and prepare for the industry.

One of the best parts of the course was the industry placement. Spending one day a week in a real working environment gave me a clear insight into what to expect after college. The balance of three days in the classroom and one day on placement worked really well. It allowed me to learn new skills and then apply them in a practical setting.

During my time at college, I developed both technical and personal skills. I built a strong understanding of networking and IT systems, while also improving my teamwork and communication. One of the most important things I gained was the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and take on new challenges, which has continued to help me in my career.

My placement involved a variety of tasks, including building and repairing devices, recycling and safely disposing of equipment in line with regulations, preparing systems for use and speaking to customers about services. These experiences helped me understand how the industry works and gave me confidence in communicating with people at all levels.

I now work at Sharp, where my role involves a wide range of responsibilities. I support the deployment of security products, test systems by simulating cyber threats and help improve processes so the team can respond quickly and effectively. I also assist with security alerts when needed. It is a varied role that allows me to keep learning and developing every day.

Looking back, the T Level gave me a strong foundation in both practical and technical skills. It also helped me build confidence, particularly in communication and presenting ideas. The experience I gained through the course made it easier to transition into the workplace.

The support from the college also played an important role in my journey. They helped connect me with my current employer and encouraged me to take part in opportunities such as the Power Platform Challenge, which I went on to win. That experience helped me stand out and ultimately led to my role at Sharp.

If you are considering a T Level, I would definitely recommend it. It offers a great balance between learning and real-world experience, helping you become career ready. You gain industry knowledge while also building the confidence to succeed in the workplace.

Looking ahead, I want to continue developing my skills in cyber security, gaining further qualifications and progressing into more specialist roles, particularly in areas such as ethical hacking.