Digital student Millie Hart is building the foundation to a bright career in the cybersecurity sector after finishing her studies at Telford College.

Millie, a former pupil at Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby School, says she grew up around IT in her household, with her brother also studying a course within the field.

“I really found my passion whilst studying GCSE IT at school. I used to watch my brother build PCs, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in digital too, although I was more interested in the software pathway.

“I love the environment here at the college; I was diagnosed with autism, and I thought the support I’d receive would be better. I found the hands-on approach of this course suited to my needs and what I wanted to do in the future.”

The level three digital course develops students’ understanding of the skills and key principles required for a future in computing. This includes an insight into the IT sector as a whole, investigating how technology is developing, with opportunities for practical and project-based work.

Millie says: “The course is great; I like that it’s just computers. The same subjects all day, every day, which I really enjoy. I’ve always had a keen interest in cybersecurity, and to study whole units dedicated to it has been fantastic for me.

“I like the Station Quarter campus; it’s centrally located which means we can head into town on our lunch breaks. The atmosphere is quiet and professional, which is fantastic to get on with extra study. It’s good to be surrounded by a community of other digital students too.”

After her studies at the college, Millie says she is excited to start studying cybersecurity at the University of Wolverhampton.

“I visited the university on an open day and went along to taster courses; I really enjoyed it. It’s close enough to home, so I can still see my family but have my own independence. I also met with the support team there and was happy with what they have to offer, to help me achieve my best.”

Elisabet Basford, digital lecturer at Telford College, said: “Millie is a fantastic example of a student who has shown resilience. Despite many challenges, she has never given up, relentlessly pursuing higher grades to ensure she obtained the best outcomes – especially with her decision to go to university.

“As the world becomes increasingly digitised, earning a digital qualification prepares young people for their next steps in the competitive world of work. It gives them an advantage as they adapt to the constant changes in hardware and software, learning how to navigate and master these changes.”