Celebrating T Levels: Barnsley College Media students share their journey

This week is T Levels Week, a national awareness week that aims to celebrate T Level students, providers and placement organisations.

In this interview, we sat down with Evelyn Vaines (EV), Aidan Smith (AS) and Emma Wood (EW), all Level 3 Media T-Level in Production and Content Creation students at Barnsley College. We discus their experience so far, if they would recommend a T Level and much more.

Why did you choose to study Level 3 Media T-Level in Production and Content Creation?

EW: “I chose this course as I am very interested in the media industry, how everything works from pre-production to postproduction, and how the media is developing. I’m also very interested in presenting therefore this felt like a well-suited course for me.”

AS: “I chose it because I liked the idea of learning about multiple different sectors of media, as well as doing a work placement to gain industry knowledge. I would like to become a journalist of some sort, potentially even producing so I thought it was ideal.”

What drew you to this subject or career area?

EW: “Originally I got recommended this course from a friend and once finding out that it included practical lessons where I get the opportunity to present and make content, I knew this would definitely be something I enjoyed.”

EV: “I chose this course because I have a strong passion for social media, TV presenting, and radio. I enjoy learning new things and interacting with people, and this course gives me the perfect opportunity to develop these interests while gaining practical skills.”

Where is your placement and what does the organisation do?

EV: “For my placement, I work at Doyle Security, a well-established and reputable company with over 40 years of experience in the security industry.”

AS: “My placement is Beacon South Yorkshire, they’re a charity that provides support for unpaid carers who care for loved ones or friends.”

EW: “My placement is doing the social media for Waters Edge, this is a nursery, and I will be making their content to attract more customers.”

What is a typical day like for you there?

AS: “I’m typically in charge of making things like posters to advertise different events and services they have. I have also helped generate ideas for their upcoming fundraising campaign and I also help with some admin work.”

EV: “A typical day begins at 9.00am when I prepare everything I need for the day’s tasks. I spend much of my time creating and scheduling social media posts to maintain the company’s online presence and engage with its audience.

“After lunch, I often assist with producing TikTok videos, which adds a creative and dynamic element to my role. Occasionally, we have team meetings to discuss ongoing projects or new ideas, but these don’t happen every day. I usually finish work at 4.00pm.”

What skills have you developed so far?

EW: “I have developed new digital and communication skills, whilst also gaining more experience with being a leader and taking on many responsibilities.”

EV: “This placement has significantly improved my professionalism, teamwork, and digital skills. I’ve learned the importance of maintaining consistent branding and working effectively as part of a team.”

What would you say to other students considering T Levels?

AS: “I’d say it’s a really good option after leaving school to get lots of experience and knowledge in something specific that you’re interested in, rather than just a vague direction.”

EW: “I would say 100% do this course. It’s so fun and you learn so many new things. You experience real life jobs, and it prepares you well for your future in the media industry as it offers opportunities from presenting to editing content.”

How would you sum up your experience in one sentence?

EV: “Overall, I find T Levels to be both challenging and highly rewarding. For anyone considering this path, I would wholeheartedly recommend it because it offers valuable experience and helps you grow both personally and professionally.”

EW: “Overall my experience on this course has been amazing, I’ve learnt so many new things about myself and the industry of media, and it’s definitely helped me find a clearer perspective of what I would like to go and do in the future.”

AS: “It has given me good knowledge and skills while still being enjoyable and fun.”

National T Levels Week shines a light on the dedication of students, providers, and employers working together to shape future careers. The experiences of Evelyn, Aidan and Emma highlight how T Levels blend classroom learning with real-world practice, equipping young people with the confidence, skills, and insight they need to thrive in their chosen industries. Their stories show the value of T Levels in preparing students not just for work, but for a successful and fulfilling future.