Hi, I’m Talia, a 19-year-old apprentice from Warrington.

From the moment I first walked through the college doors 2 years ago, I just knew… it wasn’t for me.

The sit-down lessons, the constant pressure for grades, turning up just to tick an attendance box all while thinking, what is actually the point of this?

Of course, the answer was always:

“This will help you in future.”

How? When? No one really knew unless you counted university of course. And in my eyes, that just felt like college… but even longer. So that was never an option for me. I felt completely lost, disconnected from my future, and honestly just going through all of the motions.

The Turning Point

While I was studying A-Levels in Law, Business and Criminology, everyone around me started getting university offers. Meanwhile, I was constantly refreshing my emails… and getting very little back from apprenticeship applications.

Application after application...

Rejection after rejection...

It was SO deflating. But I wasn’t ready to give up. So instead, I took a step back and actually reflected. I looked through my past applications and interview feedback, and the problem became painfully obvious…

I was applying to EVERYTHING

And because of that, my applications were becoming rushed, generic, and honestly… a bit forgettable. Something had to change.

Doing It Properly

The next role I applied for was a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Sunbelt Rentals and this time, I did things differently. I focused on quality over quantity, I researched the company properly, and I tailored my application, so it actually meant something.

Then came the interview process… A 3-stage interview. It was slightly terrifying, I’m not gonna lie.

But I took it step by step:

• Reading every instruction twice
• Preparing for every possible question they could ask me
• And practising answers until they felt natural

By the time I got to the final in-person interview, I felt ready. Every question they asked, I had already thought about. For once, I wasn’t guessing I actually knew. I walked out of that interview with a huge smile, thinking to myself I’ve actually smashed that.

They told me I’d hear back in a couple of weeks as they had more interviews going on.

Two hours later… I GOT THE CALL

I GOT THE ROLE

The Moment Everything Paid Off

That phone call meant everything to me. After all the rejections, all the doubt, and all the times I questioned if I’d ever get there it finally paid off. I felt proud, relieved, and honestly, a bit shocked.

Because not long before that moment, I genuinely thought I might never get a job at all.

My Biggest Tip

If there’s one thing I learned, it’s this:

• STOP mass applying. Start tailoring.
• Research the company properly.
• Understand what they do.
• Show them why you want to work there.

And when you land the interview, research even more. Even if it’s just 5 minutes before bed each night leading up to it. It all adds up, and it will make a difference. Trust me, interviewers can tell when you have put the effort in.

Why did I Chose an Apprenticeship

For me, an apprenticeship was the perfect balance.

I get to:

• Learn the same knowledge you’d gain in a classroom
• Build real, hands-on experience in a working environment and,
• Learn vicariously from experienced professionals

Where I Am Now

Since starting my apprenticeship at Sunbelt Rentals, I have grown massively not just professionally, but personally too. I’ve gone from feeling lost and unsure about my future… to feeling confident that I am on the right path.

One of the proudest moments of my journey with Sunbelt so far was last week when I received a Highly Commended Award for Rising Star Apprentice! Receiving this recognition means so much to me because it reflects all the hard work, determination, and resilience that has gone into getting myself where I am today.

If anyone would've told me two years ago, when I was sitting in college questioning my future, that I would be recognised for my work as an apprentice, I genuinely wouldn't have believed you, and I am so beyond grateful.

If my story proves anything, it’s this:

You don’t need the “perfect” start, You just need to keep going, make changes when things aren’t working — and back yourself.

What Would I Say to Someone Feeling Stuck Like I Was?

If you’re sitting in college right now thinking, “This just isn’t for me,” you’re not alone. I was exactly the same.

For a long time, I thought I just had to deal with it. Turn up, get through it, and hope everything would somehow fall into place. But the truth is, if something doesn’t feel right for you, it’s worth exploring your options. Apprenticeships aren’t always talked about enough in college or school, but they can be such a great alternative. You’re not just learning for the sake of it you’re working towards something real, building experience, and actually seeing the impact of what you do.

I think one of the biggest things that held me back at the start was confidence. I didn’t think I was “good enough” compared to everyone going to university (Imposter syndrome is REAL). But the reality is, there isn’t one “right” path there’s just the path that’s right for you.

So if you’re feeling stuck, my advice would be to:

• Look into different routes
• Don’t compare yourself to others
• And most importantly, don’t settle for something that doesn’t make you feel motivated

Because once you find the right opportunity, everything can change just like it did for me.

Talia Whiting

Business Administrator Apprentice

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