DVLA is dedicated to being an organisation at the forefront of digital and technological change, with a strong focus on adapting to future technology advances and responding to changing customer and employee needs.
This requires a significant investment into attracting and developing top digital talent from across the region, and a commitment to this is the Year in Industry scheme. The Year in Industry scheme allows university students to take a year out of their studies to join the agency, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experience in their respective field.
With Learning at Work Week taking place earlier this month, we’re giving one of DVLA’s Year in Industry students the opportunity to share what they’ve learnt from their placement so far.
In the Information Technology Services (ITS) department, there are currently 4 students on placement working across strategy and communications, software engineering and software development in test. Today, we hear from Ross Couch, who works as a digital attraction and engagement officer in the strategy and communications team. Ross is from Cornwall, but currently studying marketing at Swansea University.
“One of my main responsibilities in the ITS Communications team is managing the digital screens that are displayed around the office. This involves designing the slides and working with stakeholders to manage engagement requests. Despite having no previous experience with digital design, I’ve been trusted to create engaging screens which convey key messages across the ITS directorate. I’ve now created more than 100 screens using our provider, ScreenCloud, and have used Canva to further improve the quality of my designs.
“I’m really pleased with how quickly I’ve picked up my digital design skills and I’m sure they’ll improve as I continue to produce new screens. I frequently work with colleagues from different areas of ITS to manage requests for new screens, which has helped me build my interpersonal skills. I’ve learnt that it’s important to understand their expectations and do your best to match these by working with them closely to produce a screen that both parties are pleased with.
“DVLA trust their Year in Industry students to lead on campaigns…I’ve learnt how to take a campaign through from an initial idea to delivery”
“A skill that I’ve particularly enjoyed developing is my storytelling skills. I’ve worked on writing a series of blogs, where I’ve interviewed some of my fellow Year in Industry students in ITS. From this, I’ve learnt how to effectively structure a blog to make it compelling and engaging for the reader and this is something that I’ve understood more with each blog I’ve worked on. I really enjoy working on these blogs with my fellow Year in Industry students – it’s great to speak to them regularly and hear how they’re getting on! To further support my development, DVLA give me access to the learning site, Udemy, where I can enrol in online courses. Over the last few months, I’ve enrolled in a range of creative writing-focused courses, which have taught me how to be more concise with what I’m saying and have helped me develop my own tone of voice. I find it very stimulating working on these blogs and they’re something that I’m proud of.
“Since joining the agency, I’ve had the chance to make a difference across the directorate by running my own campaign. In late 2023, I delivered a Winter Wellbeing campaign, which focused on providing additional support for staff through the winter months. I’m very grateful that DVLA trust their Year in Industry students to lead on campaigns as running this one has given me valuable experience that I can’t learn from a university lecture hall. I’ve learnt how to take a campaign through from an initial idea to delivery, and this included establishing aims and objectives, forming a delivery timeline and drafting creative assets. This has given me a greater understanding of how the work our team does aligns to the wider DVLA strategic objectives. I find great fulfilment in this as I know that the work I produce helps DVLA strive forward as an organisation and will eventually make a difference to the millions of people around the country who use our services.
“Throughout my placement so far, I’ve built a foundation of skills that are key to being a good communications professional. I’ve been heavily involved in delivering content across our channels, which has allowed me to develop a wide range of skills, including creative writing, digital design, and understanding how to deliver a corporate campaign. DVLA actively promotes learning and development through their Centre of Digital Excellence (CoDE) schemes, and with the opportunities I get presented with, I’m sure I’ll continue to further expand my knowledge and skills.”
Find out more about DVLA’s Year in Industry programme and the other development opportunities they offer.
