Throughout the final months of my secondary school, I was fixated on going to sixth form and doing my A Levels. I thought it was the right way to go and felt like a ‘default’ choice as many of my friends around me also wanted to go to sixth form.
However, around the time of my GCSEs, I changed my mind and started to consider the different ways to study and what that could look like for me.
I looked into studying Level 3 Business at college, which I thought could potentially provide the experience and knowledge I needed for the next years in my life.
I also spent some time researching apprenticeships - I never really knew much about what they were, but I quickly realised it would be something that could benefit me. Doing lessons everyday had started to become tiring for me, and finding out more about apprenticeships really made me consider what the best choice for me could be.
I decided to apply for a Level 3 Administration and Learning Technology apprenticeship working in the Digital and Academic Resources Centre at Northampton College – and was offered the job! I was weary of what work life would be like as I had never had a job before. However, since starting my apprenticeship, it has brought me exciting opportunities, allowed me to develop my skills and everyday feels like I'm doing something new. I have learnt so much about the different technologies that are being used and developed, and I spend a lot of my time shadowing my colleagues who help others around the College that are struggling with their laptops or just technology in general.
My one piece of advice to anyone reading this would be to you would be to explore different interests and take the time to figure out what’s best for you after completing your GCSEs. The education system gives you a great advantage because education is free before you turn 18 and there are so many different courses and ways to study.
Find the path that suits you - and don't be afraid to give something new a try!
