Dylan Milburn

Since completing his studies at East Durham College, T Level student Dylan has progressed into a successful career at Durham University and continued to champion the value of T Levels and industry placements.

When asked about his time studying his T Level in Digital Support Services, Dylan said, “What I enjoyed most about East Durham College was that the T Level wasn’t just focused on learning in the classroom. The college helped connect what we were studying with the world of work and gave us opportunities to start building our careers before we had even finished the course. 

As part of the programme, Dylan secured an industry placement with Durham University, unknowingly the starting point for his career. During his placement, Dylan worked across teams including Computing & Information Services and the Faculty of Science, where he was able to contribute to real projects and put his technical knowledge into practice. Since leaving East Durham College, Dylan undertook a Level 5 apprenticeship and progressed into his current role as an IS Senior Analyst, specialising in Collaboration and AI – for which he became a regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.

Since completing his studies, Dylan has been a consistent advocate for T Levels and industry placements, speaking to students, universities and IT leaders about the opportunities they can offer both students and employers. Dylan had spoken to IT Directors from Russel Group universities, been a guest speaker at the University of Winchester, participated in the British Computer Society panel, sharing his experience and advice and co-delivered workshops for the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy. 

Dylan has also been keen to give back to the T Level community, helping mentor current students at East Durham College. “Having been in the same position myself, it was incredible rewarding to share what I had learnt, offer advice and support someone else as they begin their own journey into the workplace.” Dylan said, “For me, it felt like the journey has come full circle. I’ve gone from being the T Level student who was given an opportunity to being someone who could help provide that opportunity and support the next generation”

Dylan is now studying towards a Digital Technology Solutions degree with the University of Exeter alongside and noted the role East Durham College played in his journey, saying, “The support I received, particularly in finding and completing my placement, helped me build my confidence and understand what a career in IT could actually look like. Without the initial opportunity through East Durham College, my journey could have looked very different.” Dylan’s journey is a fantastic example of what can happen when education and employers work closely together to provide opportunities for young people gain the technical knowledge, practical skills and industry experience. 

To find out more about how T Levels can kickstart your career, visit our T Level page.