T Level students from across Greater Manchester have gained first-hand experience of working in a digital team through a live industry project delivered in partnership with AND Digital as part of Manchester Digital's T Connect programme.
The project challenged students to work on a real business brief developed collaboratively by Manchester Digital and AND Digital, giving them the opportunity to apply their technical skills to a genuine industry requirement.
Students from across Greater Manchester took part in the project, representing Tameside College, The Manchester College, Hopwood Hall College and Wigan & Leigh College
Over several weeks, students worked in teams to take the brief from concept through to delivery. Supported by specialists from AND Digital, the project was structured around agile sprints, mirroring the way modern technology teams operate. Students gained experience across the full project lifecycle, including discovery, design, development, testing, responsible use of AI, collaboration and stakeholder presentations.
Working closely with the students, the AND Digital team helped transform the initial brief into a detailed technical specification, providing the guidance, infrastructure and support needed to help participants approach the challenge professionally and confidently.
Manchester Digital would like to thank AND Digital for their support throughout the programme, particularly Perminder Dhillon, who led the project on behalf of the business. Thanks also go to the wider AND Digital team for sharing their expertise and donating prizes for the winning team.
The programme was led by Manchester Digital's early talent specialist, Lucy Heffernan, who worked closely with both students and the employer to ensure the experience delivered value for everyone involved.
T Connect supports the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's ambition to create the UK's first integrated technical education system by connecting students with employers and ensuring technical pathways are visible, credible and linked to real opportunities within the region's growing digital and technology sector.
By bringing employers directly into technical education, programmes such as T Connect help students develop practical skills, build industry connections and gain a clearer understanding of future career opportunities.
Organisations interested in supporting the next generation of digital professionals through Manchester Digital's early talent programmes can contact Lucy Heffernan to find out more.
