Computing is one of the most dynamic pathways, home to talented innovators across web development, app creation, digital design, cybersecurity, and more.
Meet Atanas Kyurkchiev, a T Level Software Development student from Access Creative College in Norwich, and Jake from Surplush, where Atanas completed his industry placement. 18-year-old Atanas made such an impact during his work experience that his role evolved into a long-term stake in the company.
We sat down with both student and employer to discover how this T Level partnership opened doors to future opportunities.
Student perspective on T Levels
Hi Atanas. Tell us about yourself.
Hi, I’m Atanas, and I studied T-Level Software Development at the Norwich Access Campus. I am from Bulgaria, but moved here when I was a child as my parents wanted to provide me with a better future than what was achievable back home. I enjoy anything and everything to do with computers & would call myself an “entrepreneur”, I also love to travel.
Why did you choose to study a T Level?
I always knew I wanted to do something with computers, and I really liked the fact that with a T Level, you don’t have to study and revise for 3 different subjects. It really allowed me to dial in with my knowledge on computer science and get ahead of those doing, say, A Level Computer Science alongside 2 other subjects.
How did you get the opportunity to work with Surplush?
I saw the offering on the Access Creative College work experience opportunities board and decided that I would be a good fit. They were advertising for a web developer, and that was my biggest interest in the computer science world at the time.
How did you find your time with the company? What kind of things did you do and learn there?
I really enjoyed working with the guys at Surplush, both super friendly, welcoming, and just a joy to work with. Whilst I was here, I re-made and re-branded their e-commerce site, got used to working through a CI/CD pipeline, and got familiar with Git. I also met a lot of business owners and great individuals within the industry here, which has also opened a lot of doors and opportunities for me.
Have you enjoyed your time at Access Creative College? What have been the biggest positives?
I would say that I enjoyed my time at Access, as I had a great teacher who knew what he was talking about and would push me to explore new and challenging topics, and also never left me without work to do. The biggest positive of Access is the staff, who are all very friendly and kind, always making sure my needs are met and that I’m not struggling.
Do you think work experience is a valuable part of your T Level? Why?
I think the work experience is the best part of the course, as long as you do it correctly and actually attempt to integrate yourself into the company. It gives you industry experience, and you can also meet some amazing people through it.
What are your aims for the future?
I’m about to go to the University of Lancaster and study computer science there. I plan to continue working at Surplush whilst there and either do it full-time after university or balance Surplush alongside my web/app development company, Kyurkchiev Group.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying a T Level?
My advice to anyone looking to study a T-Level is to make sure you are actually present in your lessons and take notes. Most importantly, don’t be scared to ask questions, even if they feel silly. Finally, when looking for a work placement, apply for places that you feel you will enjoy; do not simply take the first placement you can get your hands on.
Employer perspective on T Levels
Hi Jake. Tell us about yourself and Surplush.
I’m Jake, co-founder of Surplush, a buyers club with a difference. We leverage bulk purchasing to secure the best prices on essential business supplies like takeaway packaging, cleaning products, and blue roll. By passing these savings on to our customers, we help them cut costs without sacrificing quality or sustainability. Our model is designed to make it easy for businesses to switch to greener alternatives without breaking the bank. We use e-cargo bikes for all deliveries in Norwich, Cambridge, and London, and our aim is to establish an e-cargo network in each major city within the UK. This system eliminates 99.88% of carbon emissions compared to traditional HGV deliveries.
Why did you bring a T Level student into your business for work experience?
Towards the end of last year, we were planning a rebrand of our website, which had become a little stale after pivoting the business toward a B2B model. We brought in a T Level student to inject fresh ideas and support the development of the new site. As a startup with a shoestring budget, hiring externally wasn’t an option, so this felt like a win-win: I could share my 10+ years of fintech experience to support a young person entering the industry, while also gaining valuable, tangible output for the business.
How was the experience of welcoming a work experience student? What kind of things did you ask them to work on?
At first, we assigned Atanas fairly routine tasks, such as adding and removing products from the website and carrying out price-matching research. However, as the rebrand project developed, it became clear that his potential went far beyond what we had initially expected. After much discussion, we decided to undertake a complete rebuild of the website using an entirely new technology stack led by Atanas.
What were the benefits of having a student working with you and the team?
Atanas ultimately led a full rebuild of our website using a new technology, which significantly improved our online presence. For a small startup, this meant gaining tangible results that we wouldn’t otherwise have been able to achieve within our budget. Reaching a much wider audience and providing another layer of credibility. His contribution was so significant that his role has since evolved into a long-term stake in the company.
Why is it important for local businesses in Norwich to support T Level students?
By giving students a real-world experience, businesses ensure that young people develop the practical skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce. For startups, it’s also an opportunity to benefit from fresh ideas and enthusiasm.
What do you think a T Level offers young people that makes the qualification worth studying?
T Level qualifications give young people the best of both worlds: technical knowledge from the course itself in the classroom, and real-world experience from the placement.
How was your experience working with Access Creative College?
Our experience working with Access Creative College was really positive; the team made the whole process straightforward, and we can’t speak highly enough of the talent and the maturity of the students coming out of the college.
What advice would you give to young people or employers wanting to get involved in T Levels?
Don’t be afraid to get involved, especially for small businesses. T Level students can bring fresh ideas and a different perspective. It’s important to give them real work to take ownership of, rather than just routine tasks; this will make the experience more rewarding for both the student and the business.
T Levels at Access Creative College
So there you have it! As Atanas and Jake’s story shows, T Levels truly offer something special, a real partnership that benefits both employers and students. They’re not just about classroom learning; they’re your gateway to meaningful industry experience and genuine career opportunities.
For employers, if you’re looking to bring fresh talent and innovative ideas to your business while supporting the next generation, our T Level students are ready to make an impact. Get in touch to find out how partnering with us can benefit your team.
For students, if you’re ready to take on a T Level course, our Content Creation and Software Development courses can combine expert teaching with hands-on industry experience that could lead to your next big opportunity.
As always, you can contact our friendly and knowledgeable admissions team on 0161 768 9932 or by email at admissions@accesscreative.ac.uk, or get yourself down to an open day and explore your local Access Creative College at the same time.
