Can you introduce yourself and your company?

My name is Craig Smith, and I'm both a lecturer at UCW and director of Titan Roc, a video game development company. We've recently released our first major commercial video game, Forsaken Realms: Vahrin's Call.

How has Titan Roc supported T Level students?

Vahrin's Call was a mammoth undertaking for our company, taking 12 years in total to complete. Due to the sheer size of the game, it created lots of excellent opportunities for students to get involved and gain hands-on, real-world industry experience, whilst genuinely contributing to the release of a commercial video game.

What type of work do students get involved with during their placements?

The students have primarily been involved in QA testing for Vahrin's Call.

This involves playing through the game with a critical eye, identifying bugs, spotting gameplay issues, and providing feedback on the overall player experience.

It's not just about playing video games. It's about understanding how games work, recognising when something isn't right, and communicating those findings clearly so the development team can investigate and make improvements.

It's a great introduction to the development process and shows students just how much work goes into making a game. In many cases, their feedback and critique have genuinely helped shape the final product.

What skills do learners develop by undergoing a placement at Titan Roc?

I think one of the biggest skills students develop is attention to detail. When you're testing a game, you need to notice things that other people might miss. They also develop communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills.

It's extremely fun playing through a video game for the first or second time, maybe even more, depending on the type of game. However, when it starts to feel like a job, after the third or fourth playthrough, that's when their analytical skills really come into play. They have to look beyond simply enjoying the experience and start thinking critically about how everything works.

We'd like to think they also gain confidence working in a professional environment and develop a better understanding of the expectations and responsibilities that come with working in the games industry.

How does working with T Level learners benefit Titan Roc?

We're a small company, so having T Level students involved has been incredibly beneficial for us. Having additional people testing our game and looking at it from different perspectives is extremely valuable.

When you've been working on a game for such a long time, you become so familiar with it that you inevitably start overlooking certain things. Bringing in students gives us fresh eyes and different ways of approaching the game, often highlighting things we might never have considered ourselves.

We're also not just getting support with our project; we're giving young people an opportunity to gain experience and potentially discover a career path they're passionate about.

We're always on the lookout for our next colleague, after all!

Are there any standout moments or success stories from your placements?

There was a moment just before Christmas last year when the team had been working tirelessly towards a major production milestone. The T Level students had successfully completed their own targets, which were directly linked to the team achieving that milestone.

We had a meeting to sign everything off, and I tasked the students with breaking down everything they'd experienced and outlining, completely honestly, everything they would change about the game if money and time were no object.

I wanted them to forget about the usual constraints of development and just tell us what they really thought, without holding anything back.

That was, without a doubt, some of the most valuable feedback we've ever received, and we've run tons of playtests over the years.

It really demonstrated just how much value students can bring when you give them the opportunity to contribute and take their opinions seriously.

What advice would you give to employers considering offering industry placements?

Honestly, just give it a go.

I think some businesses might worry about the time involved or whether students will have the skills needed to contribute, but you might be surprised by just how much value they can bring, especially if you give them meaningful work.

You don't need to overcomplicate things. Give them real responsibilities, support them where needed, and make them feel like part of the team. You might be surprised by what they can achieve.

I think T Level industry placements are a fantastic opportunity for both students and employers.

The games industry can be quite difficult to break into, especially when you're just starting out, so giving young people the chance to experience real development work is incredibly important.

There's often a big difference between learning about an industry and actually working in it, and placements like these help bridge that gap.

The earlier students gain that experience and understanding; the sooner they can develop the skills and confidence needed to reach the level the industry expects of them.

My name is Sean, and I studied the Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level at Weston College. I chose this course because I liked the fact that it included an industry placement, meaning I could gain practical, hands-on experience on construction sites as well as learning in the classroom. I felt this would give me a better understanding of the construction industry and help me develop the skills needed for a future career in the sector.

Throughout the course, I developed my skills in CAD software and gained knowledge of different areas of construction, including quantity surveying, project management and the responsibilities involved in various construction roles. The course also gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learnt in a real working environment through my industry placement, where I gained valuable experience of how construction projects operate day to day.

Some of my most memorable moments at college were the trips we took during the first year, including visits to the NEC. These were great opportunities to learn more about the industry, see different aspects of construction and get to know the rest of the class. These experiences helped make the course more enjoyable and gave us the chance to learn outside the classroom.

I completed my industry placement with Alun Griffiths, where I worked alongside one of their senior engineers on the BSIP Queensway scheme and the Junction 21 scheme. During my placement, I learnt how to use a total station and developed a much better understanding of the different responsibilities within a construction team. Being involved in live projects allowed me to see how the skills and knowledge I had gained at college were applied in practice, while also learning from experienced professionals working in the industry.

I began my placement in November 2025 and, earlier this year, I was offered a job as an Apprentice Engineer with Alun Griffiths. I believe I secured this opportunity by being reliable, showing up consistently and demonstrating my knowledge, skills and willingness to learn. Building relationships with the team and showing that I could contribute to the work being carried out helped me make a positive impression and progress towards my career goals.

My T Level confirmed that civil engineering was the career I wanted to pursue, as it allowed me to explore the industry in more depth and gain a clearer understanding of what the role involves. The industry placement was particularly valuable because it helped me develop many of the practical skills I will need as a civil engineer. It has also given me greater confidence and made me feel more prepared as I progress onto my HNC.

I would definitely recommend T Levels to anyone considering a career in construction. They provide a great balance between classroom learning and practical experience, allowing you to develop useful skills while gaining an insight into different job roles and what they involve on a day-to-day basis.

The industry placement is a particularly valuable part of the course, as it gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice, build relationships with employers and potentially secure a job or apprenticeship. For me, the T Level was an important step towards becoming a civil engineer, and it has helped me build a strong foundation for my future career.

Weston College’s first- and second-year Business students recently welcomed employees from EY, one of the world’s Big Four accountancy and professional services firms, for an insightful guest lecture exploring career opportunities in finance, with a particular focus on its Assurance service line.

EY is a multinational professional services firm offering expertise across four key areas: Assurance, Consulting, Tax, and Strategy and Transactions. Working with organisations worldwide, the firm helps build trust and confidence in the economy, businesses and financial markets.

The session gave students a valuable insight into the world of accountancy, with EY employees Grace, Greg and Marita sharing their career journeys, explaining their day-to-day responsibilities and highlighting the skills needed to succeed in the industry, including analytical thinking and attention to detail. They also explored the different career pathways available within finance, helping students understand the opportunities they could pursue after completing their studies.

Grace and Greg discussed their journeys from university degrees in Economics and Politics, and Psychology, to securing places on EY’s graduate scheme. Now in their second year of the programme, they shared their experiences of working with real clients alongside studying for professional examinations. Their journeys demonstrated that students do not necessarily need a degree directly related to accountancy to pursue a career in the sector.

Marita offered an alternative route into the profession, sharing her experience as an Audit Associate Apprentice after recently completing her T Level in Accounting. Her four-year apprenticeship combines practical experience working with clients with studying towards a professional ACA qualification with ICAEW. This gave students a first-hand understanding of how apprenticeships can provide a structured route into the industry, allowing them to gain valuable workplace experience while working towards a recognised professional qualification.

The guest lecture was particularly relevant to second-year students with an interest in finance and accounting, many of whom are considering apprenticeships or progression to higher education. It also complemented the first-year Business curriculum, where students are currently studying Business Finance and the role of the accountant. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, the session helped students understand how their studies could translate into future careers.

Importantly, hearing from professionals who had taken different routes into the same industry allowed students to compare the benefits of university and apprenticeship pathways. They also had the opportunity to ask questions, gain advice on applications and recruitment, and develop a clearer understanding of what employers look for in prospective candidates.

Emma Hussey, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Business Lecturer at Weston College, said:

“Guest lectures like this offer our students valuable insight into the finance industry, helping them understand what to expect from a career in the sector and explore the range of opportunities available to them. They allow students to network, ask questions, and receive invaluable advice and guidance regarding applications and the recruitment journey, reinforcing the positive impact that engaging with industry professionals can have on students, as well as broadening their horizons and inspiring them to explore new career opportunities.”

A huge thank you to Grace, Greg and Marita for sharing their experiences and inspiring our students to explore the exciting career opportunities available within accountancy, audit and finance.

This guest lecture forms part of the Business Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

Progress to the next level in Business! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.