When I first started my apprenticeship, I wasn’t new to hard work. I had been working weekends while studying for my Level 3 qualification, eventually stepping into a team leader role in a customer facing role. I was used to managing people, solving problems, and making decisions. Stepping into the world of engineering felt exciting, but also unfamiliar. Everything I had learned in my part-time job didn’t seem to carry the same weight here. I went from being trusted and experienced to feeling like I was starting from scratch.

But this wasn’t the first time I had to find my footing in a new environment.

A few years earlier, I had moved to the UK as a teenager, not knowing a word of English. I joined high school late, struggled to connect, and spent most of my early days just trying to understand what was happening around me. Slowly, with time and support, I found my place. I learned the language, made friends, and started building a life. That experience taught me something I’ve carried ever since; things might not feel comfortable at the start, but they get better when you stick with them.

That mindset helped me get through my GCSEs, even though I didn’t believe in myself at the time. I remember being moved into the top maths group and feeling completely out of place. I wanted to drop back down, but my teacher and the school principal encouraged me to stay. A year later, I passed my exams with a grade 8 in maths, which is something I never thought I’d achieve. That moment stayed with me as proof that I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for. This was also reflected within my apprenticeship where I felt like an imposter, but was able to win some awards and a scholarship.

After GCSEs, I started A-Levels, but I didn’t feel like I was on the right path. The subjects didn’t interest me, and I couldn’t see a future in them. I made the decision to switch to a Level 3 Extended Technical Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. It felt like a step back at first, like I was falling behind my peers, but it turned out to be the step I needed. I learned about building components, surveying, CAD, site layout, law in construction, and so much more. That course helped me discover my passion and opened the door to my career.

Near the end of the course, COVID hit, and everything changed. We had to adapt our assignments, which included designing an extension to our own homes. It challenged us to apply everything we’d learned, from surveying and sketching to digital modelling and design. That project made me realise how much I enjoyed designing buildings, and it led me to explore the idea of becoming an architect or working on large commercial structures like airports.

I started looking at my options and spoke with the careers advisor at college. Civil engineering came up as a route that could lead me toward building design, and I began applying for apprenticeships. I have always been drawn to practical, hands-on learning, so the apprenticeship route felt right. University alone wasn’t something I could afford at the time, but after spending enough years in the UK, I qualified for support, which made this path possible. It is important to understand that we do attend the university, we sit in the same class as full time students and learn the same information. Our process is a few years longer and we get professional accreditation on top of our degree at the end.

I was rejected by companies focused on airport design and had to choose between two railway-related options: project management or civil engineering design. I initially did not see myself in rail. In fact, when Network Rail visited our college, I remember saying I would never work in the industry. But life has a funny way of leading you where you need to go.

I accepted the civil engineering apprenticeship in railway infrastructure and started my role during the pandemic. For a while, I worked entirely from home, which came with its own challenges. When I finally began going into the office, it felt like starting all over again. It was strange speaking to people in person or asking for help face to face. I would sometimes find myself messaging colleagues online, even if they were sitting right next to me. To this day, I still find it hard to go into the office sometimes, but when I do, it’s often worth it. You get to catch up with your team, have a laugh, and sometimes even learn something you wouldn’t have picked up on screen.

At one point, I had to change my training provider. After completing my Level 4, I found out the provider I was with didn’t offer Levels 5 and 6 because there wasn’t enough demand. I had no choice but to transfer to a new one and restart my apprenticeship. It delayed my progress toward my career goals by another 2 years, but also allowed me to achieve two professional accreditations, which boosted my self confidence. It’s something not many people talk about, but it’s important to be careful during the apprenticeship process. Make sure your employer and training provider are clear about their responsibilities, and hold them to it. It can make a huge difference to your development.

As my apprenticeship progressed, I began to notice that other apprentices had more opportunities to rotate between teams or develop in different directions. I raised this during a meeting with one of the directors and asked for a chance to explore another area. That’s how I ended up joining the modular platforms team.

This experience changed everything for me. I was suddenly closer to the kind of design work I’d always been interested in. I learned about modular construction, sustainable materials, public safety, and how new infrastructure can be integrated into existing environments. I also faced new challenges, including navigating difficult workplace dynamics. But those moments made me realise how strong I had become. For the first time, I started focusing not just on the work, but on myself too; my boundaries, my wellbeing, and my future.

I’ve always been driven. Since primary school, I’ve believed that working hard would lead me to success and independence. But I’ve learned that success isn’t only about doing the work. It’s about taking care of yourself, building good relationships, and trusting your path even when it doesn’t look exactly how you pictured it.

More recently, I’ve moved into the tunnelling and ground engineering team, thanks to the new discipline lead who just joined our team. We spoke about my long-term goals and shared that I’d love to manage projects and teams one day. Working in the tunnelling and ground engineering team gives me exposure to a wide range of disciplines, which is helping me build the foundations I’ll need. I’ve had incredible support from people who believe in me, and I’m finally starting to believe in myself, too.

Right now, I’m not sure exactly where I’ll end up. I’m interested in engineering management, but I’m also curious about architecture and even construction law. I enjoy creative work, solving problems, doing calculations, and collaborating with others. I know that wherever I go, I’ll carry the lessons from every step so far.

If you’re thinking about doing an apprenticeship, my advice is this: you don’t need to have it all figured out. Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn, explore different paths, and grow in confidence while still studying for the same degree as full-time students. And beyond that, you gain real experience, professional networks, and accreditation that helps you stand out. It is a long and challenging process, but you will grow through it and it will help you in the future.

Most importantly, surround yourself with people who support you, and be that person for others, too. You deserve to be heard, challenged, encouraged, and respected. Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and don’t be afraid to take a different route if it feels right.

It’s your journey. Make it yours.

Agata Aseweje TechCIOB, EngTech MICE

Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice at SYSTRA Ltd | Member of Women’s Engineering Society | STEM Ambassador | NCE Degree Apprentice of the Year Award Finalist

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