Digital T Level Industry Placement - Junior Software Developer (T Connect Pilot)

About the opportunity

This is a hands-on, real-world work placement for students studying the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level (Digital Software Development). You’ll join the T Connect pilot, a new model that gives you industry experience through a mix of employer placements, real project work, and career-building support, all coordinated by Manchester Digital (we represent over 450 tech employers in the region).

As well as Manchester Digital being your main placement employer, you will also work across different tech employer teams and environments, gaining experience in software, tech consultancy, digital transformation, and cyber. This is a placement experience that actually prepares you for what’s next.

What you’ll do

Your time will be split between:

• Working from Manchester Digital’s central office with our friendly team
• Visiting other tech employers across Greater Manchester, depending on your placement plan (travel costs covered if needed)
• Contributing to real-world projects – both in teams and independently – such as building a chatbot, data dashboard or websites and apps.
• Taking on an independent project brief, set either by Manchester Digital or one of our employer partners, where you’ll plan, build and present your own work
• Using tools like GitHub, Slack or Trello, and joining in with agile ceremonies like stand-ups and retros
• Attending events and masterclasses led by tech professionals from across the region

What you’ll get

• A dedicated line manager and access to a pool of technical mentors
• A personalised placement planner to support your development
• Work readiness support including CV building, interview prep, and job search advice from tech recruiters
• Regular 1:1 check-ins and structured feedback from your manager and employer mentors
• The chance to take part in events like Future Tech Live and get early access to Talent Day 2026, one of the North’s biggest tech recruitment events
• A Certificate of Completion, a reference, and access to future job and learning opportunities via Manchester Digital

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be starting Year 2 of the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level (Digital Production, Design & Development (Digital Software Development) in September 2025. You don’t need experience beyond your course, but we’re looking for someone who:

• Is curious about tech and keen to explore career options
  
• Is interested in problem-solving, team working, and developing digital confidence
  
• Is open to feedback, committed to learning, and ready to show up with a positive attitude
• Has any extra self-taught skills or interests in tech, a bonus, but not required!

What we expect from you

This placement is designed to give you a real taste of working in the tech sector. That means we’ll support you like a team member – and we’ll expect you to show up like one too.

Here’s what we will expect of you if you join our team on placement:

• Be punctual: Arrive on time and let us know if something gets in the way.
  
• Be serious about your potential: We don’t expect perfection, but we do expect effort and engagement. Attitude and aptitude matter.
  
• Get involved: Be curious about the tasks and opportunities you’re given. Ask questions and show initiative.
  
• Be safe and responsible: You’ll be using real tools and kit. Use them professionally and follow safety guidance. It is important to keep you and the company safe online.
  
• Work respectfully: You’ll meet people from all backgrounds. Treat everyone with professionalism and kindness.
  
• Be open to feedback: We’ll help you grow, but you need to listen and act on advice.
• Communicate: Keep in touch, share what’s working, and speak up when you need support. 
• Be a great ambassador:  When visiting partner employers, represent your college and Manchester Digital in a positive, professional way. Leave a great impression, one that opens doors for more T Level students in future.

The practical stuff

• You’ll be mainly based at Manchester Digital’s city centre offices, with regular visits to partner companies.
  
• There’s a kitchen and microwave on site so you can bring your lunch.
  
• You’ll be issued a work placement laptop.
  
• Most travel is covered by Our Pass – anything outside of that we’ll work with your college to ensure you can access travel support.
• A small discretionary participation fund may be available to help with other participation barriers on a case by case basis. 

Why this placement is different

This isn’t token work experience. It’s structured, hands-on and designed around how the tech sector actually works. You’ll:

• Rotate through different project types and employers
  
• Work in agile teams, using real developer tools and workflows
  
• Gain exposure to a range of digital roles and workplaces
• Gain access to additional tech skills training outside of your course delivery by people working in tech
  
• Be part of a cohort (peer support group) with wraparound support and industry mentors
• Leave with contacts, experience and evidence that sets you apart

Placement structure and dates

• The placement runs from Monday 8 September to Friday 19 December 2025, and includes a mix of in-person and remote days - you will receive a placement planner schedule. 
• You’ll start with a two-week immersion block (8–19 September), including your induction and first project.
  
• After a break for college study, you’ll return for the core block (3 November – 12 December), spending Mondays to Thursdays on-site and Fridays working remotely from your college hub
  
• There are four flexible days (15–18 December) to catch up, finish your project, and receive feedback - to be agreed on a case by case basis
• The full placement includes up to 49 days / 318.5 hours, meeting the full T Level requirement.

Your placement starts with a free pass to Manchester Digital’s Future Tech Live 2025 on 18th September 2025, your first step into the region’s tech community.

How to apply

Speak to your college’s T Level or placement coordinator or course tutor and let them know you're interested. 

Then apply by 6pm Monday 14th July 2025. 

APPLY NOW

Deadline: 6pm 14th July 2025
Interviews: 23 July 2025. IMPORTANT NOTE: you must be available to attend this in person in Manchester City Centre if you apply. 

Interview stage 

If you are successfully shortlisted for an interview, you will be notified by email by 16th July. 

You will be invited to attend a short 30 minute interview with us, which will take place in Manchester City Centre.