I took the road less travelled and went for the exciting journey of apprenticeships instead of going for the usual educational routes. I did it because I wanted to learn and get some hands-on experience. Textbooks can only do so much, you know. Here is my apprenticeship journey:
1. What made me choose apprenticeships over other paths?
I loved the idea of earning while learning. It gave me financial stability while focusing on my education. The hands-on experience was a game-changer for me. Applying what I learned in the real world was just awesome.
2. How did I find the apprenticeship that suited me?
I discovered it during a career’s day at secondary school. I talked to some ex-apprentices, and they convinced me that it was the right path for me. I kept checking apprenticeship websites every other day until I found the perfect opportunity that matched my interests and skills.
3. Did you have any specific skills or knowledge you wanted to learn during your apprenticeship?
I wanted to learn skills that would help me be good at my job in the field. I also wanted to know about the latest technologies and trends.
4. Did anything make you want to do an apprenticeship?
Yes, I was inspired by family members who worked in the industry and were able to establish their own successful businesses.
5. Were there any challenges or concerns you had before starting the apprenticeship, and how did you deal with them?
I was worried about balancing work and learning, but I got over it by setting a schedule I could manage. I was also worried about not learning everything I needed to, but the practical knowledge I gained during the apprenticeship helped me a lot.
6. How did the apprenticeship help you grow personally and professionally?
The apprenticeship was a great chance for me to develop my skills in communicating, solving problems and being a team player. I got to work on a lot of different projects and take on different responsibilities, which helped me learn to be more adaptable. I also became more resilient and better at handling challenges.
7. How did the apprenticeship get you ready for real-world work scenarios?
The apprenticeship was a hands-on experience that taught me how to solve real problems. I worked with professionals in the industry, which gave me an idea of how things work in the real world. I learned about workplace dynamics and what is expected of me in the industry.
8. Did you face any tough situations during your apprenticeship, and how did you overcome them?
It was tough being just 17 and having to travel so far from home to go to college every day from Monday to Friday, then come back home on Friday night and do it all over again on Sunday. But it made me more independent and self-reliant. Working on complex projects really put my abilities to the test, but I managed to navigate through them by getting guidance from my mentors and colleagues and breaking down tasks into smaller steps.
9. What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship based on your own experiences?
Take every opportunity to learn and put your knowledge into practice. Build strong relationships with your mentors and colleagues to get the most out of your apprenticeship.
10. Would you recommend apprenticeships to others, and why?
Absolutely, no doubt about it. Apprenticeships offer a great mix of learning and hands-on experience, giving you the skills, you need to succeed in your chosen career. You get to learn by doing, which makes you more valuable to employers. And that is always a good thing!
Looking back at my journey, I am grateful for the experiences I had during my apprenticeship. It wasn’t just a way to get to the end goal, it was an adventure that really transformed me both professionally and personally. The theories and concepts that I learned during my apprenticeship turned into real-life successes, and the whole experience helped guide me towards a fulfilling and successful career.
Paul Myall
Managing Director
T: 01621 737292
M: 07507865269
E: paul@fusionmanagement.co.uk
W: www.fusionmanagement.co.uk