blog 21.04.2026
Introducing: Etio T-Level Student, Finlay Cooper
In this post, I want to share my journey as a T-Level student—from why I chose the Business Administration and Management pathway to what motivated me to begin my placement with Etio. My goal is to give readers an honest look into what it is like transitioning from classroom learning to direct industry experience, especially for those curious about T-Levels or considering a similar route.
I will explain how my interests in business and technology shaped my decisions, what I hope to learn during my 44-week placement, and how post-16 education policy has opened valuable opportunities for students like me. Education policy has opened valuable opportunities for students like me. By sharing my early expectations, goals, and reflections, I hope to help others understand whether a T-Level—and an industry placement like this—is the right path for them.
Introduction
My name is Finn. I am from Bristol and currently attending South Gloucestershire & Stroud (SGS) college on a two-year T-Level Administration and Management course. I have recently started my 44-week T-Level placement with Etio. Even though I have only recently started the placement, I am already excited to learn more about how the business operates on a day-to-day basis and meet new people.
My Education Backstory
During my time in secondary school, I always had an interest in business and technology. As I progressed to college, I decided to choose the T-Level Business Administration and Management course since it looked exciting and remarkably interesting. One thing that really appealed to me about T-Levels was how it offered a lot of first-hand experience compared to traditional A-Levels. Business Administration really interested me because I have a love for organisation and wanted to build real skills that would help me understand how organisations run. The main reason I chose Etio as my industry placement is because of their mission of helping children across the globe.
Goals and Ambitions for the Programme
By the end of the placement, I would like to have improved my communication skills within an office environment, and developed the confidence to collaborate with other people on different projects. I want to understand how different areas of the business, marketing, operations, and admin, all fit together to create a business that can succeed. I am excited for my future steps after college since I am still trying to figure out what the best fit is for me. I am open to exploring other areas of business; I am extremely interested in the technology industry.
Government’s Pathways to Training and Employment
I really like the post-16 education and skills policy because it allows young people like me to smoothly move from education into skills training and employment. It has given me a structured pathway into a real working environment to gain the skills necessary to succeed in the future as well as providing clear progression options. I feel as though this policy is benefiting me personally since it is making the transition into work feel a bit easier. I think that I would not have been offered these opportunities if I had chosen a different course throughout college. As well as giving me opportunities, it also gives me a lot of confidence for the future.
Closing Reflection
I am excited and nervous about the journey ahead during my placement at Etio. I am curious about what I will learn about businesses which is not possible to learn about if I was sitting in a classroom. I am still nervous about what the future holds after the placement and what I will be doing in 10 years’ time. I am hopeful that my future in business and education will be successful and full of learning opportunities.
