Dream a Future: My T Level Placement with Jaga
August 2025
In January 2025, we welcomed Zachary Owen, a Business and Administration T Level student from Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College (HLNSC) into our team as part of our growing commitment to skills development.
T Levels are a new, nationally recognised qualification designed to provide students with both classroom learning and industry placement opportunities. Being a mandatory part of the T Level, industry placements allow students to gain practical skills and knowledge to add to their CV, making them stand out to potential employers.
Zac worked alongside his college studies, spending one day each week immersed in our business operations. During his time with us, Zac experienced a broad range of functions across the business, from internal sales and data input to marketing and finance.
ZACHARY OWEN: MY T LEVEL JOURNEY
INTRODUCTION
Over the course of my placement with Jaga, I had the opportunity to work in various departments, gaining an in-depth understanding of how their business operates.
This experience has provided insights into how businesses generally function, enabling me to grow both professionally and personally.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH JAGA
During my time in each department, I shadowed my colleagues who were knowledgeable, sociable, and kind, thus creating an environment where I could thrive. Jaga has a more close-knit and welcoming atmosphere compared to other businesses in which I have completed work experience.
Here, I felt less like an outsider and more integrated into the team. The mentors I shadowed encouraged me to gain some more hands-on experience by assigning me tasks under observation and then trusting me to do it alone, allowing me to build my confidence.
In the marketing department, I helped develop and review the new Jaga website. To do this, I was entrusted with the Content Management System (CMS), allowing me access to the background of the website. Due to this show of trust, I was able to independently upload documents, review content, and build a foundational understanding of the products Jaga delivers, which was later reinforced by some further product training. Additionally, I assisted with various activities such as creating CPD certificates, writing social media posts, stock-taking of marketing materials and inputting product information into the Heat Engineer software.
In the operations department, I was involved in inputting orders for production and shadowing team members to learn more about the systems used. For example, I processed an order on their SAP system for some Guardian units & valve sets, with guidance from the Operations Supervisor, to go to their HQ in Belgium. This gave me a sense of product dimensions and a deeper understanding of the details at each stage of the ordering process. I also learnt the basics about Jaga’s range of Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiators, such as the Guardian and Maxi 2020, as well as their new Net Zero range. This exposure has enhanced my problem-solving and technical skills.
As part of my rotation, I then went into the sales & administration department, where I learned how to quote and price orders which were placed by customers. This was interesting as there is a different pricing structure depending on the product and client, so I had to pay greater attention to the details. This further developed my skills and knowledge within business and administration, because I learnt the importance of different pricing structures and the quotation process.
Finally, during my time in the finance department, I spent time with the Accounts Assistant to learn about the purchase order procedure and how to process invoices. I also saw how finance links with other departments, such as operations and order inputting. This gave me insight to behind the scenes of how a business functions, and how a small error can have a big impact.
One of the highlights of my time with Jaga was being part of the company activity day. It was a great chance to get to know the team on a more personal level, and the activities encouraged us to communicate and work together, which really strengthened the sense of teamwork. For me, it was an opportunity to build confidence, connect with colleagues, and see how important collaboration is to the success of the business.
I was also given the opportunity to learn and grow beyond the office environment. One key experience for me was helping Jaga prepare for the InstallerSHOW, which I was also invited to attend. I was able to get involved behind the scenes, from creating content for social media to cutting templates for the radiators that were being featured on the stand. It gave me a real insight into how much planning and teamwork goes into an event like this, and it was exciting to see my contributions become part of something on such a big stage.
MY TIPS AND ADVICE FOR FUTURE T LEVEL STUDENTS
As a student who has recently completed their T Level placement, here are some key tips from me to make the most of this experience:
- It is important to focus on the quality of your work and to proofread thoroughly.
- You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions, as your colleagues are there to help you.
- Record-keeping is very important as this ensures that your tasks meet the placement objectives and shows the skills you have developed.
- Make sure that your tasks are completed on time, as this will benefit not only you, but also the company.
- Being adaptable in a business environment is crucial to assist with yours and the company’s continued development. This will also allow you to take skills from one department and utilise them in another.
- While it’s good to be able to work independently, it is also beneficial to be able to work as part of a team, as this will improve your productivity and communication skills.
- Make an effort to align with the company’s values, as this will help you develop stronger relationships within the team. Jaga’s five core values are: Respect Nature—prioritizing sustainability and renewability; Awake the Artist—embracing creativity and innovation; Dream a Future—focusing on a sustainable future and career progression; Create Emotion—cultivating a strong atmosphere in the office and with customers while striving for excellence; and Building Bridges—nurturing meaningful relationships. Some ways to do this include being enthusiastic about the work assigned and showing initiative in certain activities.
SUMMARY
By supporting students through structured placements, we’re helping bridge the gap between education and employment, and preparing them as they start their career. For us, it’s an opportunity to share knowledge, inspire ambition, and stay true to our value of Dream a Future – driving innovation and working together towards a more sustainable future.
