Students on one of our Computing and Digital courses, the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship were visited by a former student on the course Ben Taylor for an interesting guest lecture on what he’s gone on to do since studying at UCW!
Ben is now a Senior Software Developer at OfficeNet Systems. Since completing his studies, he has progressed quickly, managing DevOps services and overseeing data centre operations handling an impressive 1.2 petabytes of data.
During his session, Ben shared his journey into the tech sector, having chosen the degree apprenticeship route after finishing his A Levels. He spoke candidly about both the benefits and realities of apprenticeships, highlighting the fast-paced learning environment and the advantage of gaining hands-on experience. “I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship – I ended up with four years of experience, which is a very lucky position to be in,” he explained.
Students also heard about the wide range of projects Ben has worked on, including software as a service (SaaS), IT support, infrastructure management and AI development. He gave a behind-the-scenes look at his role and the wider industry, emphasising the importance of self-motivation, adaptability and delivering results.
A highlight of Ben’s career so far has been his recent work trip to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where he spent two weeks exploring cutting-edge innovations, including self-driving cars.
Looking to the future, Ben spoke about the rapid growth of AI, noting that his company is investing heavily and even hosting its own large language models on private servers.
Reflecting on his career, Ben said: “I wouldn’t change it for the world – I love my job,” leaving students inspired about the possibilities within the tech industry.
As UCW celebrates ten years, it is proud to welcome back former students like Ben, whose journeys reflect the lasting impact of its courses. These returning guest lecturers highlight a decade of success, inspiring current learners by showing what’s possible after UCW.
This guest lecture forms part of the Computing and Digital Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston’s Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners’ careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
There’s still time to apply for our Computing and Digital Courses including Cyber Security & Networking, Software Development and Games & Animation Production. Find out more about Ben’s course, Digital and Technology Solutions here!
