From T Level Student to Working for the World’s Biggest Tech Company

When I was in school in London, the path ahead wasn’t always clear. At 16, I knew I wanted to pursue something more practical than A-Levels, something that would allow me to get hands-on experience in an industry, while still keeping my options open for further education. That’s when I discovered T Levels, a relatively new qualification designed to bridge the gap between school and the world of work. It seemed like the perfect mix of classroom learning and real-life work experience, so I decided to dive in.

Choosing T Levels – A Bold Step

Choosing T Levels wasn’t the easy or conventional route. Most of my friends were heading towards A-Levels, but I was drawn to the fact that T Levels were designed with direct input from employers. I knew I would be gaining skills that companies were actively seeking, and it gave me confidence in my future career prospects. For my T Levels, I chose the Digital Production, Design and Development route. This course focused on developing digital skills, a sector that was rapidly growing and brimming with opportunities. The key draw for me was the 45-day industry placement—a chance to actually work in a business environment and put my learning into practice.

The Gatsby Placement – My First Step into the Professional World

Through my T Level, I was fortunate enough to land a placement with the Gatsby Foundation. Going into the placement, I was nervous. It was my first real experience in a professional setting and the imposter syndrome hit hard. I kept thinking, “Am I really cut out for this?” But as soon as I started, those worries quickly faded. The team at Gatsby was incredibly supportive, and I was given real responsibilities from the start. I worked on projects that involved research, data management and supporting their educational programs, all of which gave me valuable insights into how large organisations work. One thing that really helped me during this time was my willingness to ask questions. I didn’t pretend to know everything. Instead, I showed that I was eager to learn, and people were more than happy to teach me. My confidence grew with each passing week, and by the end of the placement, I knew I had chosen the right path.

Shaping My Future with David Barker and Placer

One of the key turning points in my journey came through David Barker and the Placer platform. I enrolled in some of their online courses, which helped me gain crucial soft skills—like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—skills that aren’t always taught in traditional classrooms but are vital in the workplace. These courses gave me a broader understanding of how the working world operates and prepared me for the challenges I would face. David Barker didn’t just stop there. He helped me get in touch with Amazon, and before I officially joined, I had the opportunity to attend an Amazon networking event. Meeting and interacting with Amazonians was a surreal experience. I was able to ask questions, make connections, and get a real feel for the company culture. It gave me a significant advantage when I eventually applied for their apprenticeship program.

From Placement to Internship – A Door Opens at Just 17

At 17, something amazing happened—I was offered an internship at the end of my placement! Being the youngest in the company, I was thrilled that they wanted me to stay on. This experience became more than just a role; it was an opportunity to grow, contribute, and have a voice that mattered. Throughout my internship, I dove into exciting projects, learning how to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. Each day was filled with opportunities to expand my skills and take on meaningful challenges. Despite my age, I felt fully supported and encouraged by my team, who valued my input and perspectives. This extended experience shaped my path forward, giving me a deep understanding of the work and a strong foundation for my future.

Amazon – A Game-Changer

After completing my internship, I was hungry for more. I started looking for my next challenge, and that’s when Amazon came into the picture. I applied for an apprenticeship at Amazon, and to my surprise, I got it! Looking back, I think the combination of my T Level education and my experience at Gatsby gave me a competitive edge. When I joined Amazon, it felt like a whole new world. The scale, the innovation, the pace—it was both exciting and intimidating. I had to adapt quickly, learning how to thrive in such a fast-paced environment. But once again, resilience played a key role. I reminded myself that I had already overcome so many challenges and I was ready for this one too. One year on, I can confidently say that this experience has been transformative. Not only am I earning over £35k annually, but I’m also getting my degree paid for. Being able to earn while learning is something I’m incredibly grateful for and it’s a path I’d encourage others to consider.

Key Lessons

• Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New – Choosing T Levels wasn’t the obvious choice for me but it was the best decision I made. Be open to unconventional paths because they can lead to incredible opportunities.
• Resilience is Your Best Friend – Whether it was my first placement, my internship, or starting at Amazon, I faced moments of doubt and difficulty. What got me through was my determination to keep going. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
• Soft Skills Matter – Thanks to David Barker’s Placer courses, I understood early on that your communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities that will help you thrive in any workplace.
• Networking is Key – Don’t underestimate the power of connections. Whether it’s through events, placements, or even online courses, take every opportunity to meet people and build relationships. It was through networking that I got my foot in the door at Amazon.
• Seize Every Opportunity – Grab every chance to learn and grow. Every experience, no matter how small, it can help shape your future.

The Future

I’m still early in my career but the skills and experiences I’ve gained so far have given me confidence in whatever comes next. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no one “right” path to success. Everyone’s journey is different, and as long as you stay resilient, curious and open to opportunities, you’ll find yours.

 

Shayhana McGowan

Project Manager Degree Apprentice at Amazon

You can find out more and connect with Shayhana on LinkedIn.