Whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer changed more often than the British weather. One month I dreamed of being a firefighter, the next a pilot. I even considered becoming an accountant at some point because of my love for maths.

Through all those ambitions, two things remained constant: my obsession with anything that had wheels or wings, and my love for solving problems with numbers. Little did I know these twin passions were quietly steering me toward my future in engineering, but the big question was how I was going to get there…

The bumpy road to realising my passion

Growing up in Tower Hamlets, I learned early that opportunity and adversity often walk hand in hand. School presented its challenges, especially when the pandemic hit during my GCSE years. Overnight, lessons moved online, my motivation to study became fragile, and the future felt uncertain. With the unwavering support of incredible teachers and a stubborn determination, I pushed through to achieve grades that made me proud.

When A-levels came around, I chose Maths, Further Maths and Physics without hesitation. Numbers had always been my safety net, I knew that no matter where life took me, mathematics would be my constant companion, or so I thought. At this point, I knew I wanted to do Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering but was not completely sure which one I wanted to do. However, I had an amazing opportunity to work with an F1 team where I walked on various STEM projects including working on Greenpower which is a national electric racing competition. This ignited a flame in me to want to study Mechanical Engineering.

The crisis that nearly derailed me

This exhilarating experience came with an unexpected revelation. I had always assumed university was the only path forward, I had high ambitions and even applied to the UK’s top universities as I believed I had the academic talent for it. However, as sixth form went on, I started to struggle with my studies and A-levels tested me in ways I never anticipated. The relentless pressure to perform, the gnawing fear of failure, the sleepless nights spent staring at textbooks, it all accumulated until I barely recognised myself. As someone who had always found it easy to study and perform in exams, I now felt like an imposter in my own life. On the outside, to my friends and teachers, everything seemed fine because I said it was. Although that was far from the truth. My mental health deteriorated, and for a while, I questioned whether I would ever regain my footing. I completed my A Levels knowing that I did not fulfil my academic potential, always thinking about what could have been.

It was during this turbulent period that I discovered the potential of apprenticeships, a blessing in disguise. I knew I wanted a degree but also knew I loved to do practical work and have a real impact on the work I do. I was fortunate to do some work experience at a Formula 1 factory and had conversations with their managers and apprentices which opened my eyes to alternative routes such as apprenticeships. Here were people a few years above me learning on the job, earning a salary, and working on innovative engineering projects. For the first time, there was hope again in my career aspirations.

The turning point that changed everything

I began researching engineering apprenticeships with renewed determination and little help, searching for a path that combined academic learning with practical experience. I was quite late to applying for apprenticeships, but I found it, an Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at Ford. The opportunity to work with one of the world's most iconic automotive brands while earning a degree seemed too good to be true.

I poured my heart into the application, detailing my projects, my setbacks, and my insatiable curiosity about how things worked. It was the only apprenticeship I applied to, so I did not think I had much hope. However, as the emails about progression to the next stages of the application came through, I was much more motivated. When the acceptance call arrived, confirming I was one of just ten successful applicants, I knew my life was about to change in ways I could not yet imagine. 

Two years of transformation

I joined Ford in 2023, an environment completely foreign to me, with a culture I had yet to adopt, unsure if I would ever fit in. I was an 18-year-old taking my first steps into the workplace in an industry I dreamt about working in. The dream had come true, but it was time to face reality and put in the work and make my mark in the company.

Now, as I prepare to enter my third year of my apprenticeship, I can honestly say this apprenticeship has surpassed all my expectations. I have gained hands-on experience working with Ford's commercial vehicles, developing practical skills no classroom could teach. As a person and a professional, I have developed on an exponential level while meeting new people, building my network and being able to take on the responsibility of important tasks that support the work we do. I even had the opportunity to represent Ford at a Parliamentary reception hosted by the SMMT, discussing my apprenticeship with government ministers and showing them the impact that the apprenticeship route has had on my life. My apprenticeship has given me endless opportunities, and it has opened my eyes to the wider world including the chance to attend trade shows and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which I consider major highlights of the past two years. My favourite highlight was being the recipient of the Highly Commended Apprentice for Engineering and Manufacturing at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024, an award I hold quite close to my heart and take pride in and hope I can use to do more for others.

Paying it forward

However, the most rewarding aspect has been the chance to help others follow similar paths. Knowing first-hand how difficult it can be to break into STEM fields without the right connections, I co-founded the Aspiring Professionals in STEM Network alongside two remarkable peers, Zaynah Alam, our Founder and Abuansari Azad, our co-founder. What began as a modest idea has grown into a thriving community of over 850 members as of July 2025, ranging from Year 12 students to undergraduates, all supporting each other through mentoring, workshops, and shared opportunities. I have also had the opportunity to act as a mentor and visit schools and show students that traditional university routes are not the only path to success. These experiences have become some of the most meaningful aspects of my journey.

My advice

Don’t expect things to go right all the time: As you progress through your life, you will find that things will not go to how you planned. As someone who constantly seeks perfectionism, I quickly found that things will always change, and I need to accept it and adapt. Life will throw so many challenges at you, but it is important to remember your purpose, your goals and what you want to achieve.

You are only at chapter one: As long as you constantly remind yourself about what you are aiming for, you will find a way! Remember that you are simply in the first chapters of your career and it is okay to make mistakes, take risks and learn about yourself. The most successful people in the world were not finished products when they first started, they worked for years and years, overcame barriers until they found success.

Do what is right for you: It is also important to make sure that you do what you feel is right for you. There will be often people who give you advice, some bad, some good, but ultimately you know what’s best for you.

Be authentic: When employers are looking for someone to hire, they want someone who is passionate about the work and has good character. Show your personality, be passionate in your interviews and show them all the examples you have of your skills in the workplace.

Find mentors: Try your best to reach out to people you are inspired by or are in a similar position to where you want to be. The best people to give advice are those who have already lived the experience!

Give back to others: Keep yourself humble and always seek to help others, whether they are your colleague, friend, someone in your community or a stranger in another country. Create a positive ripple effect in the world and see the impact it has, it will benefit you and everyone around you.

The road ahead

My path has been anything but straight, more like a winding road with unexpected turns and occasional potholes. Yet every challenge has shaped me, and every setback has taught me valuable lessons. Now I strive to be the mentor I wish I'd had, proving that with determination and the right opportunities, your starting point does not have to define your destination. As for that child who spent hours pushing toy cars across the living room floor. He is now helping design and build the real things and that's a dream I never dared imagine could come true. Thank you for reading my story.

Ishraq Chowdhury

Engineering Degree Apprentice at Ford Motor Company Ltd | Co-founder of APSTEM

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