When did you study at RNC?

2017 to 2019

What courses did you study?

  • BTEC Level 2 Braille
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT
  • Cisco Networking Academy

How did you find the careers / transition provision at RNC?

I found the transition provision particularly useful. Before studying at RNC I had spent a few years looking for employment with little success and I was worried that even after finishing my studies, I still might struggle to find work.

The RNC transitions team worked to reassure me and offered me plenty of support with CV writing and interview techniques. I particularly appreciated how willing the team were to work with me when I decided that I did not wish to go to university after leaving RNC and I never felt like I was being forced to choose a career path I did not want.

Did you undertake any work experience or placements? If so, how did you find it?

I undertook a work experience placement at Dizions Ltd, a software development company based in Herefordshire. The company develops data management software for charities and my job was to test their product to ensure it was compatible with computer screen reading software.

This experience helped to boost my confidence with providing honest and constructive feedback to others in the team as well as working in an office environment. I even got to sit in on a couple of meetings in order to gain an insight into the software development and project management processes within the organisation.

I also undertook a work experience placement within RNC working alongside fellow BTEC IT students and RNC’s technical support team. We carried out several tasks, from cleaning computers and peripherals to troubleshooting driver issues. This placement helped to develop my teamwork skills while working alongside the other members of the group.

What are you doing now?

After leaving RNC I took up a position with the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) as their Technology Information Intern. My responsibilities varied, from handling internal and external enquiries relating to accessibility, co-hosting webinars and producing content on accessible technology for different audiences. More recently, I have spent the last three months assisting them with rolling out a new major internal IT system and organising much of the training for staff who use assistive technology. Here is one of Robert’s training videos:

At the time of writing, I have just taken up a new position with the RNIB where I audit websites to ensure they are accessible and comply with internationally recognised accessibility guidelines.

What do you hope to be doing long term as a career?

I would like to further my career in the technology field, ideally looking to become an accessibility consultant to help make websites and apps more accessible and easier for people to use.

What is the best advice that you could give to a young person with a visual impairment who is currently going through the careers / transition process?

Keep an eye out for opportunities as you will sometimes find them in unexpected places. I found my first job through a post on social media. Also, having a solid CV and some good interview practice will go a long way to helping you with that next step beyond RNC.

Finally, what was the best bit about studying at RNC?

The best bit about studying at RNC was knowing that everything would be as accessible as possible and that I would not have the stress of battling for materials to be made available in alternative formats, giving me more time to focus on my courses themselves.

Robert Cummings – April 2021