T Level Science success story: Neve Taylor’s journey from college to the lab 

Former Derby College Group student Neve Taylor always knew that science was her passion.

She said: “It was all I cared about. My dad got me into science, and we’d stay up until 2am talking about space and aliens.  

“A casual conversation for us was discussing the hydrogen fuel cell! I loved learning, but I didn’t enjoy being in school. My plan A after GCSEs was always the T Level route because I knew I’d thrive in that environment.” 

Building confidence through T Level study 

Neve, now 18, struggled with severe anxiety at school, but her confidence “grew massively” once she started her T Level in Science. 

She said: “I threw myself into the course. Within two months we had to create a Dragon’s Den–style project on the environment, complete with a model and a PowerPoint presentation for the college directors. It was scary, but I did it. 

“Our tutors were friendly and supportive. T Levels are hard, but they encouraged us to believe in ourselves.” 

Turning T Level experience into a science career 

After completing her T Level, Neve applied for laboratory technician roles at Rolls‑Royce and the NHS, while also staying connected with Intertek—the organisation where she completed her work placement.  

She said: “I called my manager every month after finishing my T Level placement until he finally invited me in for an interview. I’ve been working at Intertek since last summer.” 

Now a lab technician, Neve prepares food samples for analysis and is soon interviewing for a microbiologist role. 

She explained: “Samples come from food manufacturers and abattoirs—we’ve tested everything from a simple meal‑deal salad to a sheep’s head. 

“Our labs check for moulds, yeasts, and harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and listeria. I enjoy colony counting—determining the number of viable microorganisms by counting visible colonies on a plate.” 

Future ambitions in pathology and research 

With growing experience in microbiology, Neve aims to move into pathology or a research laboratory while studying part‑time for a degree.  

She added: “I didn’t know exactly what I’d signed up for when I started my T Level, but I knew I wanted a stimulating career in science—and now I’ve got one. My dad is proud of me.”