Three of the many exceptional students from The Leigh UTC have defied the odds, securing highly competitive degree apprenticeship positions at Amazon as Software Development Engineers in central London. Jenson, Sam, and Skyla, outshone thousands of applicants in a rigorous selection process, demonstrating their outstanding technical skills and professional aptitude.
The Amazon degree apprenticeship program is renowned for its intense competition, offering a unique opportunity to combine academic study with hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading technology companies. The selection process involved a comprehensive application, multiple rounds of interviews, and a demanding apprentice assessment, all designed to identify the most promising future software engineers.
Jenson, Sam, and Skyla’s success highlights the effectiveness of Leigh UTC’s unique educational approach, which emphasises industry engagement and the development of essential professional habits. Notably, the three students joined Leigh UTC at different stages of their education, demonstrating the school’s ability to nurture talent at all levels. Jenson joined in Year 7, Sam in Year 9, and Skyla in Year 12, each finding the right environment to flourish.
Hear from Skyla regarding their new apprenticeship:
“I joined Clark College, studying the T-Level Digital Production, Design, and Development course. Through the Leigh UTCs connections, I was able to attend an event held by Amazon alongside the rest of my class, where they showcased their opportunity, which included their T Level industry placement and apprenticeships. I ended up applying for their placement, and I got accepted after a rigorous selection process. I collaborated with other T-Level students from other schools to develop a T-Level website for Amazon, while also enhancing our soft skills through various activities, lectures, and tasks. I joined the PV-Sail team in Prime Videos, where I worked alongside them in real-time projects. During my time at Amazon, I was motivated to apply for Amazon’s Level 6 Software Development Engineer degree apprenticeship. The process was highly competitive, but I received my offer not long after the final stage of the application. This opportunity offers me a 42 month long contract that includes a Digital and Tech Solutions BSc. I couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible support of my teachers, mentors, and placement manager.”
Jenson has been quoted to say:
“I have been in the school since year 7, and have stayed throughout until sixth form. I enrolled in T-Level digital, through which I heard about a T-Level only event at the Amazon headquarters in London. I attended with the school and found out about the Amazon T-Level workplace program, which I took place in with some of my other peers. During this I was placed in a team and worked alongside them for 9 weeks as well as other students with whom I completed a group task to create a T-Level website for Amazon. During the placement I applied for the level 6 apprenticeship role of Software Development Engineer and was supported by my placement manager Jo who helped all of the students in the placement with their applications. Shortly after my final assessment, I received an offer for the role of Software Development Engineer, the course will last 42 months and I will receive a Digital and Tech Solutions level 6 degree at the end of the course.”
And our final student Sam, said:
“I started at The Leigh UTC in year 9 and went on to join Clark College for T-Level Digital. Through the opportunities provided I discovered opportunities at Amazon and went onto apply for the apprenticeship. This led to me going through a testing process of;. Application, Game based assessment, Video interview and Assessment centre. I’ve now been accepted onto the apprenticeship thanks to the opportunities I’ve been given.”
Kevin Watson, Principal of Leigh UTC, expressed his immense pride in the students’ achievements:
“We are incredibly proud of Jenson, Sam, and Skyla. Securing these prestigious apprenticeships at Amazon is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. While we provide the environment and opportunities, their success is predominately down to the students themselves who have over their time here developed the professional habits that we promote each day at the UTC. This achievement also reflects the unique opportunities that UTCs provide, with early exposure to industry, significant employer engagement, and a dedicated staff body that equips students with the technical skills required to stand out. It is a fantastic result for all three students, and we wish them every success in their future careers.”
Leigh UTC’s focus on practical, industry-relevant learning, combined with strong employer partnerships, provides students with a distinct advantage in the competitive job market. The success of Jenson, Sam, and Skyla exemplifies the school’s commitment to developing the next generation of technology leaders.
