Hammad Sajjad was offered a permanent role with Halifax Bank after completing an industry placement with the company as part of his Business Management and Administration T Level at Leeds City College.

Having developed an interest in banking and finance from an early age, Hammad knew which industry he wanted to pursue a career in but needed an opportunity to gain practical experience.

Turning ambition into opportunity

He credits his T Level with providing that opportunity, allowing him to develop valuable workplace skills and ultimately secure employment in his chosen sector. 

Speaking during T Levels Week, Hammad said: “I always knew I wanted to work in banking, but I needed an opportunity to get my foot in the door. My teachers and placement officers were fantastic in helping me find a placement in the industry I wanted to work in.

“The industry placement was one of the main reasons I chose to study a T Level. I’ve always preferred learning through hands-on experience, so having the chance to put what I was learning into practice really appealed to me.

“I never imagined that my placement would lead directly to a full-time job, but it’s allowed me to start building the career I’ve always wanted.”

Gaining the skills employers value

During his placement at Halifax, Hammad’s main responsibilities involved supporting customers with their everyday banking needs and assisting those visiting the branch. The placement gave him valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a bank, while providing opportunities to learn new tasks and gain experience using different banking systems. 

Through working directly with customers and colleagues, Hammad further developed a range of essential workplace skills, including digital literacy, communication and teamwork.

His success comes as the government continues to place an emphasis on strengthening technical education and equipping young people with the skills employers need.

T Levels are a key part of this approach, combining classroom learning with industry placements to help students develop practical skills and experience while preparing for employment or further study.

For Hammad, the qualification provided a direct route into his chosen career, turning an industry placement into a permanent position with Halifax Bank.

Debbie Peart, T Level Business Course Leader for Leeds City College, said: “Hammad was diligent and dedicated and grew in confidence throughout the year. It was fantastic to see his hard work rewarded with an offer of employment following his placement.”

Looking ahead to a bright future

Hammad now hopes to build a career in financial services, with ambitions of progressing into a senior leadership role.

Offering advice to future T Level students, Hammad said: “Choose a placement that matches your ambitions, make the most of every opportunity and show employers what you can do. You never know where it might lead.”

The post Leeds City College T Level student secures full-time banking job after successful placement appeared first on Leeds City College.

Employers and industry experts came together on 13 October in aid of Ada Lovelace Day, to celebrate women in STEM fields and highlight the opportunities available in technology.

The event was delivered by the Ahead Partnership (a non-profit organisation which supports disadvantaged young people by connecting them to employment opportunities) to acknowledge the hard work and success of women in tech as well as encouraging young female students to join more STEM fields.

The event kicked off with a speech from Saffy Blellock, former Digital Support Services T Level student at Leeds City College and apprentice at Accenture, who pushed students to take advantage of opportunities in tech. 

She said: “If there’s something you want to do in the future, go for it even if you’re scared.” 

“You come away from the opportunities you’ve taken with even more knowledge, so take every opportunity you’re given with open arms.” 

Students from local schools then got to hear from a panel discussion featuring women with a variety of job roles in the tech industry.

Panellists included Ruth Oni, Senior Data Scientist at Skipton Building Society, Ann Prince, Deputy Head of Business and Finance and Digital and IT at Leeds City College, Salma Firdos, Senior IT Auditor at Skipton Building Society and Megan Bower, Engineering Consultant at Burendo.

The panel discussion delved into the variety of careers on offer in tech fields and debunked common misconceptions about the industry.

Visiting students quizzed the panellists on some of the advantages and challenges of working in technology in the Q&A session.

One member of the panel, Ruth Oni, Senior Data Scientist at Skipton Building Society, emphasised the role of community and collaboration in her role, saying: “There is never any project where you would work in isolation.”

Panellists also highlighted the importance of skills such as communication and adaptability in addition to technical know-how.

Another member of the panel, Megan Bower, Engineering Consultant at Burendo said: “A big stigma in IT is that you’re stuck in a room working on codes. For me it’s the opposite, I really value face-to-face communication.

“There’s a whole community in the tech world, especially for women in tech.”

Throughout the day, the visiting students also experienced workshops, supported by T Level students from our School of Digital and IT.

Anita Emeribe, current Digital Support and Security T Level student and STEM ambassador at Leeds City College, said: “For me, the day was about more than just technology. It was about representation, confidence, and helping young girls see that STEM is a space where they belong too.”

The event showcased the extensive opportunities on offer within tech industries from finance to project management and architecture alongside the importance of representation.

Sukhdeep Virdi, Head of Digital and IT at Leeds City College, said: “The day was a resounding success, filled with great energy, thoughtful questions, and a genuine passion for technology. We are immensely proud to support young women as they explore STEM career paths, and we look forward to hosting more inspiring Girls in Tech events in the future.                                

“Thank you to the Ahead Partnership and everyone across the department and wider organisation who helped make this day such a memorable experience for our visitors.”

The post Students inspired at Women in Tech event appeared first on Leeds City College.

A Leeds City College student is using T Levels Week to urge young women to consider technology careers – as she pursues her own dream of becoming a cybersecurity professional.

Anita Emeribe is studying a T Level in Digital Support and Security Services at Leeds City College, where her student ambassador role involves inspiring others into the tech industry.

As a student ambassador and course representative, Anita has taken part in numerous events such as Girl Tech and Next Gen, where she has spoken to young people about studying technology-related subjects and the opportunities available within the industry.

Anita said: “Being a student ambassador is something I’m really proud of. It gives me the opportunity to represent my classmates, share my own experiences and encourage other girls to consider a future in technology.

“I think it’s important for young women to see that there is a place for them in the tech industry. Being able to share my journey and hopefully give others the confidence to take that first step means a lot to me.”

Finding her pathway into technology

Originally from Nigeria, Anita moved to the UK in September 2023 and enrolled at Leeds City College shortly afterwards. Although she initially did not meet the GCSE entry requirements for her chosen T Level, she remained determined to pursue her ambitions in technology.

Anita completed a BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in IT, developing the knowledge and skills needed to progress onto a T Level the following year. 

Now in her second year, she is studying areas including network building, security systems and cybersecurity trends, alongside gaining practical experience through an industry placement.

Her journey reflects the government’s wider focus on strengthening technical education and equipping young people with the digital skills needed by employers. Developed in collaboration with industry, T Levels combine classroom learning with practical work placements, helping students gain the experience and technical knowledge needed to progress into skilled employment, apprenticeships or higher education.

Gaining industry experience

As part of her course, she completed a 10-week paid industry placement with Lloyds Banking Group. During her placement, Anita worked within the bank’s AI team, gaining practical experience of how artificial intelligence and digital technologies of an AI-powered tool designed to assist first-time mortgage buyers.

Alongside this, Anita gained valuable insight into how AI solutions are designed, tested and integrated into secure banking systems and learnt how to apply analytical thinking and mathematical skills when working with data.

Reflecting on her placement, Anita said: “My experience at Lloyds Banking Group was an incredible opportunity to see how the skills I’ve been learning at college are applied in a real working environment.

“Being part of the AI team allowed me to explore how artificial intelligence is used in banking, while learning from professionals who were always willing to share their knowledge and support my development.

“My mentor and placement manager were incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful to everyone on the team who made me feel welcome and encouraged me to keep learning. The experience has made me even more excited about pursuing a career in technology, particularly in cybersecurity and AI.”

Kamran Akram, T Level Course Leader at Leeds City College, said: “Anita has made incredible progress, growing from a quiet learner into a confident and inspiring ambassador for women in technology.

“Her determination, technical skills and willingness to take on new challenges have been outstanding. Her journey is a fantastic example of how T Levels combine classroom learning with industry experience to help students build the skills and confidence for successful careers.”

Recognising Anita’s achievements

Anita’s achievements were also recognised at the College’s annual Star Awards back in July, where she won the Digital Enhancement Award in recognition of her achievements in technology and her commitment to championing women in STEM.

Looking ahead, Anita hopes to progress onto a technology-focused apprenticeship after completing her T Level, with long-term ambitions to continue her education to PhD level, building a career in intelligence and cybersecurity.

The post Leeds City College student pursuing cybersecurity career encourages more girls into tech appeared first on Leeds City College.

Our students have been teaming up with their German counterparts to learn more about each country’s approach to vocational training.

Fifteen learners from Leeds and 14 students from the German town of Kempten collaborated on projects covering everything from AI to marketing as part of Goethe-Institut UK’s Exchange2Change: Shaping Future Vocational Pathways.

The group, supported by six teachers, spent 10 days in both countries exploring a range of topics in their respective fields of business, visual arts and health and social care.

Meeting industry and education leaders

While in Kempten our students visited several vocational training schools, KAD Event Management and Ceratizit Deutschland GmbH – a high-tech engineering and manufacturing company. They also enjoyed exploring the town and finding out about its history.

The group concluded the programme by presenting case studies, based on research and interviews, on: 

• Artificial Intelligence and how it is used in education and business in both countries
• Social media’s impact on young people’s development
• The UK and Germany’s different health care systems, and public perceptions of them
• Brand identity, culturally-coded marketing strategies and how ‘colour-product perception’ differs between the countries

Funded by GIMAGINE, Friends of the Goethe-Institut and the Stiftung Jugendaustausch Bayern, the exchange made a lasting impression on our learners.

Great preparation for the global workplace

One of our participating Business students said: “We have left this experience with new memories, friendships and a better understanding of different cultures and learning environments. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and it was definitely something I will remember for a long time.”

Business and Applied IT teacher Leandra, who also took part in the exchange, praised the experience for providing “opportunities to bring real-world international business examples and different perspectives into classroom discussions and activities”.

She added: “This supports the development of students’ employability and prepares them for an increasingly global workplace.”

The Goethe-Institut is the official cultural institute of Germany, and works globally to promote cultural exchange and promote the German language.

The post German exchange shines a light on different cultures and education systems appeared first on Leeds City College.

The 40 year old started her journey with us in May 2025 when she studied a Level 2 Health Support Worker apprenticeship. 

From a young age, Adanna wanted to pursue a career in nursing. 

She said: “My personal experiences have inspired me to support and encourage others.

“Through both my personal journey and professional development, I want to inspire others who may be experiencing similar situations that contribute to mental health difficulties. I want them to know that recovery is possible, even if progress feels slow.”

Adanna first arrived in the UK in 2016 with her two children.

As a refugee and single mother, she navigated multiple challenges, balancing family responsibilities alongside work in a full-time clinical role and education. 

In addition to her studies, Adanna also volunteered with the Salvation Army where she helped with cooking and supported local community groups. 

She has since successfully completed her apprenticeship, achieving a Merit grade as well as gaining her Level 2 English Language qualification, and gone on to secure employment as a crisis team apprentice within the Leeds and York NHS Foundation Trust.

She also received the Star Award at our tenth annual Star Awards ceremony – celebrating the success of learners across the college community, where she was recognised for her work ethic and achievements at college in spite of difficult circumstances. 

Her tutor, Delfina Uszynska, commended her hard work, saying: “Adanna has grown so much, particularly in her communication skills and self-belief, while overcoming huge personal challenges along the way.

“She is a complete role model to fellow students, and I am so proud to have her in my cohort. As a teacher, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Adanna hopes to become a registered mental health nurse in the future. 

Reflecting on her experience at the college, she said: “The support I received from my tutor, Delfina, alongside the knowledge and skills I gained throughout the course, has helped me believe in my abilities and move closer to achieving my dream of becoming a mental health nurse.

“Coming to the UK as a refugee was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but education gave me hope, purpose, and the confidence to rebuild my future. 

“My apprenticeship has helped me turn some of the hardest experiences I have faced into strengths that help me support others.”

The post Overcoming adversity – healthcare apprentice one step closer to nursing career appeared first on Leeds City College.

The Yorkshire born interior designer featured in the second series of the BBC One show in 2021, where her creative flair and maximalist designs took her all the way to the final. 

Now she has used her distinctive vision to transform Future Pathways at Leeds City College – our department that helps 16-24 year olds with special educational needs access courses and employment.

Before kicking off the project in July, Murphy visited the department to speak to students about their ideas for the space and deliver a masterclass in interior design. 

She said: “Working with a college and working with young people is always going to be challenging in its own respect. 

“It’s very different because rather than just one or two clients you could have 50, so it’s about pleasing everybody and giving everybody a sense that it’s theirs and it’s there to be enjoyed and used.”

As part of the project, Murphy converted what was formerly a staff kitchen into a café area for students to learn key skills in hospitality and customer service. 

The initiative was delivered in partnership with the Wickes Community Programme – a product donation scheme founded by the DIY retailer that provides paint and building supplies to support local improvement projects.  

Murphy said: “We built the café counter, clad walls, created shelving and completely transformed a tired space into somewhere that’s cosy and usable.  

“What I love most is what the space will become. It will be somewhere students with additional needs can meet friends, have lunch, take some time out and feel comfortable on campus. 

The new design incorporates warm colours and custom-made seating areas to create an inviting space for our students. 

Oliver Johnstone, Head of the Future Pathways Department at Leeds City College, said: “The makeover in Future Pathways has made an incredible difference to our daily environment. We’ve shifted from a stark, clinical white space to a bright, vibrant learning setting that our students and staff can truly be proud of. 

“Beyond just aesthetics, this redesign has fundamentally changed how the space feels – creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages engagement and gives everyone who walks through the door a real sense of ownership and belonging.”

The post BBC Interior Design Masters star transforms Future Pathways department appeared first on Leeds City College.

The £6 million upgrade for our School of Animal Care and Land Management will open up training opportunities for more young people who have a passion for animals and the natural environment.

The project will deliver a brand new building for our students, alongside the restoration of Rose Lodge, a listed structure that will be repurposed for office space, working with our contractors, Triton Construction. 

Facilities will include seven classrooms, a reception area, a dog grooming salon, a workshop, and dedicated student social spaces capable of accommodating up to 300 students. 

Supported by £4.4 million of Department for Education funding, the development will allow the school to expand its offering helping more people take their first steps into careers ranging from zoo keeping to conservation and veterinary practice work. 

Head of the School of Land and Animal Management, Jack Anderson, said: “There is a growing demand for the kinds of courses that we are fortunate to be able to offer from our base in the fantastic grounds of Temple Newsam.

“The state-of-the-art new facilities will also enable us to start introducing additional courses, in fields like dog grooming, floristry and agriculture, to complement our existing provision.

“It’s an exciting time and we’re really looking forward to showing students, prospective students and guests around when the work is completed later this year.” 

The post Temple Newsam campus expanding with new state of the art facilities  appeared first on Leeds City College.

Some of our youngest learners, from the 14+ Academies, were among those who had cause to cheer as they discovered their grades on Thursday 20 August.

Sixteen year old Bella Burling, for example, is looking forward to starting a dance course at London Studio Centre after excelling in her exams.

Bella, whose results included a grade in her English Language GCSE, flourished in our 14+ Academies – which provides an innovative, supportive approach for 14-16 year olds who are looking for an alternative to mainstream school or home education.

First steps towards a paramedical career

Adult learner Ben Cameron is a step closer to his dream of becoming a paramedic after gaining a Level 1 Functional Skills qualification in English.

Ben, who has returned to education as an adult, has been studying at both Leeds City College and Leeds College of Building (LCB) over the past year.

So he had double cause to celebrate on results day, when he also found out that he had achieved a grade 5 in the maths GCSE he had been working for at LCB.

Looking ahead, he said: “I’m planning on doing a Level 2 health and social care course starting this September, along with my English GCSE, and then an access course to health and social science the following year.

“And then, all being well, going to university to do paramedic science.”

Contrasting his time at college to the more difficult experiences he had at school, Ben said: “My time at college, compared to school, was on a different level – both my tutors were great.

“I think the main reason for the difference is that I chose to be at college. Also, I was bullied at school – and adults don’t really bully each other.”

Maths success for aspiring nurse Holly

Adult learner Holly Freemantle’s three-year journey studying maths at the college has come to a successful conclusion, with her achieving a Grade 4 in her GCSE.

For Holly, who has had to balance studying with parenthood and work, and passed her English GCSE with us last year, this represents another important step towards starting a career in nursing.

The 23 year old now plans to take on an access to health science course as the next step towards her securing a career in nursing.

Midwifery course beckons for Gabriella

Gabriella Morley was also among the adult learners celebrating after achieving a grade 5 in GCSE maths.

The qualification will allow Gabriella to progress onto a midwifery course.

Congratulations to all of our students for the hard work they put in towards their qualifications.

The post Celebrations on GCSE results day appeared first on Leeds City College.

Our students are looking forward to bright futures in the worlds of work and study after collecting their Level 3 results.

For some, like Lizzy Robinson, exam success had an extra significance given the challenges they had faced earlier in life.

The 21 year old started at college without any formal qualifications, having missed an extended period of school. So she was delighted with the treble distinction star she achieved in her Level 3 diploma in Design and Production.

A proud achievement

She said: “I’m proud of myself for being able to achieve this.

“I joined the college when I was 18 so I’m kind of a bit of a latecomer, so I’m really happy that I was able to do it.” 

Lizzy, who is full of praise for her tutors and the support they gave, is now looking forward to starting a BA Hons Degree in Costume Production at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where she secured a scholarship.

T Level students land apprenticeships

For others, like T Level students Daniel Hamilton and Muawwidh Kazi, the T Level route has led to work opportunities – with both learners landing apprenticeships at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Daniel said: “I’ve found the T Level brilliant. When I looked at what it had to offer you get a vocational course and the opportunity to have a work placement at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds.

“I was hoping I could get the relevant work experience, and job opportunities, and that’s how it worked out.

“I did eight months’ work placement with the DWP for my T Level, and they then offered me a social mobility apprenticeship.

“I’m looking forward to starting the apprenticeship in September – the beginning of working life and earning a wage.”

It has been a similar experience for Muawwidh, who like Daniel did a Business Management and Administration T Level and secured his apprenticeship offer during his time with the DWP.

Alex Kinany, meanwhile, is already enjoying his apprenticeship with Barkston Plastics, so passing his T Level was a nice bonus.

He said: “I did a T Level in design and development engineering and I got offered an apprenticeship through the work experience I did as part of that.

“I enjoyed all of it – I had to do a bit of everything!”

The rewards of a practical approach

For Molly Holdsworth, her Level 3 Animal Care technical certificate has opened a path to an Animal Biology (with foundation year) course at Nottingham Trent University.

She said: “There was a lot of practical work on the farm,you could be cleaning out the goats one day or be in the animal centre cleaning out the baby dragons and invertebrates.

“I very much enjoyed being hands-on and they would also let you help to plan stuff, and, after being shown, to have a go yourself.”

Physiotherapy career beckons for adult learner Tom

Determined to follow his dream of becoming a physiotherapist, Tom Dunn left his job to begin an Access to HE Diploma in Health Science with us in September, 2025.

He has gone on to excel in his studies, gaining 39 distinctions and six merits – equivalent to 138 UCAS points.

Tom left education at 16 to join the armed forces, but has wanted to pursue a career in physiotherapy for a long time so came to college to get the Level 3 qualification he needs to progress.

Despite being apprehensive about returning to education after almost 20 years, his concerns were soon put to rest. 

He said: “Any initial concerns I had were quickly cleared by the tutors, enabling me to get stuck in.”

During his time at college, he received the Sir George Martin Trust award in recognition of his hard work.

Tom says he will start his BSc course in Physiotherapy at the University of Bradford in September with “a renewed sense of confidence in my abilities within education”.

The post Paths to bright futures open up on results day appeared first on Leeds City College.

Four Level 3 Horticulture learners from Leeds City College’s School of Land and Animal Science at Temple Newsam joined the team behind Mindful Meadowlands, a 9m x 9m show garden exhibited at the prestigious RHS Sandringham Flower Show, held on the King’s Sandringham Estate in July.

Working in partnership with Constructing Minds with Nature, a landscape design studio for charitable and community gardens, the students supported the garden’s final planting phase, helping to prepare the exhibit for judging and its public debut. 

The participating students – Jack Hutchinson, Catherine Arnold, Vicky Cotterill and Yiu Wong – worked alongside designers, landscapers and horticultural specialists as they developed practical skills including plant conditioning, plant identification and placement and design techniques. 

Vicky, one of the participating students, said: 

“Getting to work alongside a great group of people from landscapers to designers was just the best experience. 

“Seeing a plan come together and being able to work both independently and with the group was really beneficial. It meant we were actually putting into action all that we have learnt and studied. 

“It was just fantastic to hear the garden won the bronze medal. All the planning and hard work really paid off and it was wonderful for it all to be recognised.”

Supporting the students throughout the project were Horticulture tutors Daniel Schofield and Hollie Farrow, together with Deputy Head of Department Darren Campini, who worked closely with Constructing Minds with Nature to ensure learners could make the most of this unique opportunity.

Horticulture tutor, Hollie said: 

“It was a pleasure to see students learning from industry-leading professionals and working to high standards for this prestigious event. 

“Learners picked up insider tips and tricks from the experts for both planting and project management under high pressure. 

“The garden itself focuses on climate resilience and public wellbeing, which are topics at the forefront of green skills careers.”

In November, the garden will be relocated to a new site at Ascot Park as part of a collaborative project between Places for People and Gascoyne Estates, where it will continue to provide residents with a welcoming space.

The post Leeds City College students help create award-winning show garden at RHS Sandringham appeared first on Leeds City College.