Hello, I’m Chloe Smith, an Apprentice Project Manager working for Network Rail on the Transpennine Route Upgrade. I began my Project Management apprenticeship journey in September 2024, and I haven’t looked back since. Getting to this point, however, required resilience, determination, and the confidence to challenge the widely held belief that university is the only route to success. Here’s my journey and how I made that decision for myself.

During my A-levels, I studied Business Studies, Media Studies, and Geography at sixth form. At that time, I didn’t have a clear career path in mind. I chose my subjects based on what I genuinely enjoyed rather than a specific job goal, which I now realise is a position many students find themselves in.

A turning point came when my sixth form introduced a dedicated work experience week. We were encouraged to find placements in areas that interested us, so I decided to explore different business disciplines. I spent my week at a construction company, gaining insight into several departments including Project Management, Communications, Business Development, Finance, and Graphic Design.

Out of all these areas, Project Management stood out to me the most. I was drawn to the variety, organisation, and collaboration involved in the role. It gave me a sense of direction for the first time, and I knew I wanted to explore it further.

Project management is a broad career and can look very different depending on the organisation and the type of projects being delivered. Because of this, I took the initiative to research the role in more depth. I looked into what project managers actually do day-to-day, the skills required, and most importantly, the different pathways into the profession. This is when I began to understand that university was not the only option available to me.

When I reached Year 13, the focus at sixth form shifted heavily towards university applications. Students were encouraged to create UCAS accounts and apply to multiple universities as a standard next step. However, I knew this wasn’t the right path for me. In fact, university wasn’t even my second option, I was determined to pursue an apprenticeship.

This decision wasn’t always easy. There was a noticeable amount of scepticism around my choice, and at times it felt like I was going against the norm. To stay true to myself, I had to be resilient and confident in my decision, even when others questioned it.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of support and guidance when it came to apprenticeship applications. My sixth form was more familiar with the university route, so I found myself navigating the process largely independently, with the help of my parents.

The application process for apprenticeships can be demanding and is often underestimated. I spent countless hours researching opportunities, tailoring my CV, rewriting applications, answering competency-based questions, completing video interviews, and preparing for assessment centres. It required persistence, especially when facing rejections along the way. However, I stayed focused because I truly believed in my goal.

In total, I applied for around 20 apprenticeships and was invited to two assessment centres. One of these was for my current role at Network Rail, working on the Transpennine Route Upgrade. I found this opportunity by researching the organisation and visiting their careers page. Network Rail stood out to me because of their strong early careers programme and the scale and impact of their projects. It felt like somewhere I could grow and make a difference.

Balancing this process alongside sixth form was a unique experience. There were days where I would attend an assessment centre in the morning and return to lessons in the afternoon. It felt strange at times, but it also reinforced that I was working towards something meaningful.

Looking back, I believe my journey has had a positive impact on my sixth form. As I progressed through applications and assessment centres, I noticed a shift in attitudes. Teachers and staff who were initially uncertain began to show interest in my progress and celebrate my achievements. While this felt slightly bittersweet given the initial lack of support, it was encouraging to see perspectives change.

I truly believe this experience has helped broaden awareness within my school and may influence how future students are supported when considering alternative pathways.

My biggest takeaway is that success doesn’t follow a single route. Apprenticeships offer valuable, hands-on experience, the opportunity to earn while you learn, and a direct pathway into your chosen career. For me, it was the perfect fit.

If you are considering an apprenticeship, my advice is to stay determined and trust your instincts. Be prepared to put in the effort, do your research, and remain resilient throughout the process. It may not always be easy, but it is absolutely worth it.

Ultimately, with the right mindset and dedication, anyone can achieve their goals, even if that path looks different from the traditional route. By choosing an apprenticeship, you’re not just building your career; you could also help challenge outdated perceptions and inspire others to explore the many opportunities available beyond university.

Chloe Smith

Project Management Apprentice and Chair of the Early Career Professionals Network on the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

You can find out more and connect with Chloe on LinkedIn.