Formerly of Telford Langley school, Owen Miller first joined Telford College in the summer of 2020, where he studied level 2 computing. “I first chose Telford College as it was the closest College that offered the courses I wanted, but it was also the most accessible for me at the time.”

“I’ve always really enjoyed computing, ever since I was a young child. I knew that I’d always want to do it while I was in secondary school.

“In my final year of school, we didn’t have a permanent IT teacher, so when I started here I had to relearn everything I knew to get up to the standard required of me at college. I wanted to study level 3, but I also wanted to go into it with the full understanding required and I passed with a distinction star.

“I found it very easy transitioning to level 3, as the level 2 programme had set me up with the understanding of how I should complete tasks and coursework. I really liked the style of teaching, I thought Emma and Ken were fantastic.

“In level 3, I really enjoyed learning about networking and building computers. I’ve recently built my own two computer set up, complete with a remote server that I use as a home media system for my family.”

Owen then decided to study a level 5 HND in Computing after discussing the prospect with a lecturer. “Ken is such an amazing teacher; I love how he explains and lectures us. He suggested looking at a level 5 HND in Computing and I thought it was the right decision for me.”

“I’ve worked on computers all of my life, I’m really happy to say that I feel my knowledge is at the right level to study at HND, I really enjoy the practical assessments and building hardware.

“I feel I’ve made friends for life on this programme, I like having so many people who are interested in the same things I am, we meet up outside of college quite regularly to socialise and hang out.”

Owen has also completed several placements to go alongside his studies. “I originally did a short placement with the IT department at Telford College, as well as a bit of work for the taster sessions with digital.

“In my most recent placement, I completed over 400 hours there whilst studying at my final year at level 3. Here I had to learn how to use Linux proficiently and I actually really enjoy using it. We’re currently studying Linux in a unit now and I feel like my training is really helping me achieve a high grade.

“When I finish my HND studies, I really want to progress my knowledge and get a career in networking. I feel I’m ready for a new challenge outside of education and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learnt to the outside world of work . I’d like to start my own business a lot later down the line, in a field that I really enjoy and be a successful CEO.”

One of Owen’s computing lecturers, Ken McKerral, said “Owen is an exceptional student, he’s very likeable amongst his peers and his hand is almost always the first up to answer a question.

“He excels in his independent research, has a strong technical ability and he relishes the opportunity to help any of his fellow classmates.”

If you’re interested in our HND digital courses, find out more here or register for an open event.