Digital – Daniel

T Level in Digital Production, Design, and Development

With a strong interest in technology, Daniel joined our Digital Production, Design, and Development T Level to develop his skills through industry projects. Placements and assignments gave him the chance to work confidently with clients and tackle practical challenges.

Alongside his learning, Daniel launched WebFlare, his own web development agency, and plans to continue at university while growing the business further.

Why did you choose to study your course?

“I’ve always been interested in how websites are built and how the systems behind them work. The course offered the chance to gain real industry experience through work placements, which really appealed to me. I liked being able to take what I learned in class and apply it straight away. It also teaches technical skills that go beyond what I studied at school. Altogether, it felt like the perfect way to combine learning with hands-on experience and match my future career goals.”

Which key skills have you developed during your course?

“I’ve developed both technical and professional skills throughout the course. On the technical side, I’ve learned HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks for building websites. On the professional side, I’ve become more confident speaking to clients and sharing my ideas. I’ve also learned how to contribute to discussions and explain my thoughts clearly. These skills go well beyond school lessons and have prepared me for real workplace situations.”

How has the College supported you so far?

“Tutors have been very supportive from the start, explaining content clearly and pointing out which areas might be challenging. Help has always been available in class or by email whenever I needed it. Support for work placements has also been excellent. Tutors helped me prepare, checked in regularly, and made moving into professional environments much easier. Overall, their guidance and advice has boosted my confidence and made learning more enjoyable.”

Have you been involved with any work placements or trips?

“Earlier in my course, I worked with Casla Agency, a marketing agency, where I learned how to communicate with clients and manage projects. Next, I worked with TheLittleLibrary, my sister’s business, building a website and adjusting my approach for a different type of client. Both experiences inspired me to start my own business, WebFlare, creating websites for small to medium businesses, including e-commerce shops, portfolios, and a project similar to Airbnb. Each placement taught me new skills and helped build my confidence in different situations.”

What part of the course have you enjoyed the most?

“Hands-on learning has been the part I’ve enjoyed the most. Instead of just reading theory, we get to build websites and practice skills in real projects. Mock exams and other assignments allow us to show what we know in a practical way. Seeing websites come to life makes learning rewarding and meaningful. Applying knowledge straight away has kept the course engaging and enjoyable.”

Can you share any challenges you have overcome?

“Confidence was my biggest challenge at the start. I’ve always been a bit anxious, so talking about my work or sharing ideas didn’t come easily. Over time, completing placements and developing my skills helped me feel more confident. Now, I can discuss my experiences in class and professional settings without hesitation. Learning to trust my abilities and express my thoughts clearly has been a major step in my growth.”

Do you have any advice for future students?

“I’d recommend seeing work placements as valuable opportunities rather than just a requirement. Approaching them with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn helps build skills and confidence. Placements also give insight into how real clients and projects operate. Taking them seriously allows you to get the most out of the course and develop practical, professional experience.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In five years, I hope to be studying at university and working towards a Master’s degree while continuing to grow my web development business. I’d like to build a team and take on leadership responsibilities rather than work alone. Combining technical skills with managing a business is something I’m really excited about. I also want to keep improving my skills and experience while growing professionally. Overall, the plan is to continue learning and pushing myself forward.”

Find out more about Computing and Digital courses at North Notts College