At 17, I thought I had my future mapped out. I knew I wanted a career that was impactful, creative and challenging. Engineering was the perfect answer… but I also knew university wasn’t the only way to get there. When I discovered degree apprenticeships, the idea immediately clicked: earning while learning, gaining real industry experience, and graduating without student debt. It felt like the ideal path.

But the journey into that opportunity wasn’t smooth.

Like thousands of students every year, I applied for competitive degree apprenticeship roles at major companies. I prepared for online tests, interviews, assessment centres, and applications, putting hours into preparation while juggling school. I had strong grades, motivation, and ambition, so when rejection emails started arriving, it hit hard.

The worst moment was being rejected from what I thought was my dream opportunity. It felt like everything I had worked toward collapsed in a single email. At that age, rejection feels personal. You start questioning whether you’re good enough or whether your plans were unrealistic to begin with.

Looking back now, I realise that rejection became the turning point.

Instead of giving up, I treated it as feedback. I improved my applications, worked on my confidence, and learned how recruitment processes actually worked. I started developing skills outside the classroom too:  communication, networking, and personal branding. I began speaking to people already in industry, attending events, and putting myself in rooms where opportunities existed.

Eventually, the breakthrough came. I secured a degree apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover, my dream degree apprenticeship. Suddenly, I was learning engineering not just from textbooks, but in real-world environments, working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to real projects.

But something else happened at the same time.

As I went through the process, I realised how many students simply didn’t know these opportunities existed. Friends around me thought university was the only option. Many students never applied for apprenticeships because no one explained how they worked or how competitive, yet achievable, they were.

So I started sharing my journey online.

At first, it was just short videos giving advice about applications and interviews. I shared tips I wish someone had given me earlier. Slowly, more students started engaging. Messages came in from people asking how to prepare, how to apply, or whether apprenticeships were really worth it.

That small effort grew into something much bigger than I expected.

My content across platforms began reaching millions of views, 10 million in year 1 to be exact. Teachers started inviting me to speak at schools. Employers began recognising the reach we had and began sponsoring to share their opportunities.

From there, I wanted to go beyond content and build something tangible.

That led to creating LEAF Pathways, a student-led community focused on helping young people succeed in education and early careers. Through events, competitions, networking sessions, and application support, we’ve helped thousands of students gain exposure to opportunities they might never have discovered otherwise.

Later, I built Pathera, an AI platform designed to support students with practical tools for applications, interview preparation, and career readiness. The goal was simple: make career preparation accessible, not intimidating.

But none of this came from a perfect journey.

Behind the achievements are long nights, failed applications, self-doubt, and moments where things didn’t go to plan. Balancing work, studying for a degree, building projects, and creating content is challenging. There are weeks where progress feels slow, and setbacks still happen.

What changed was my mindset. I realised careers aren’t built through one perfect decision but through continuous action and learning. Each rejection teaches something. Each opportunity starts with someone taking a chance… and often, that someone has to be you.

If there’s one message I want students reading this to take away, it’s this: you don’t need everything figured out at 16 or 18. Most professionals didn’t have a perfect plan either. What matters is exploring options, asking questions, and being willing to try.

Degree apprenticeships, university, entrepreneurship, or other routes can all lead to success. The key is choosing a path that suits you, not just following what everyone else expects.

If you face rejection along the way, remember it doesn’t define you. Often, it’s simply preparation for something better.

A few years ago, I was the student worrying about whether I’d secure a future opportunity. Today, I’m the 2025 young leader of the year, STEM ambassador of the year, run initiatives helping other students succeed, and get to speak to young people across the country about possibilities they may never have considered.

And the journey is still just beginning.

If my story proves anything, it’s that setbacks don’t end your path,  they help shape it.

So keep applying. Keep learning. Keep building confidence. And most importantly, keep moving forward.

Because your opportunity might be just one application away.

Find out more about LEAF Pathways at LeafPathways.com and Pathera at www.Pathera.io

Jayden Hughes

Founder of LEAF Pathways | Founder of Pathera | Degree Apprentice @ JLR | 2025 Young Leader OTY | 2x Apprentice OTY Finalist | University of Warwick | National Speaker | Content Creator

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