When I think back to where my journey began, I remember sitting in sixth form thinking about what my future would look like. I had hopes and ambitions, but like many young people, I didn’t have every step planned out. I knew I wanted to achieve something, build a career I could be proud of and find a path that allowed me to grow.

For me, an apprenticeship became that opportunity.

I wanted more than just a qualification. I wanted the chance to experience the world of work, learn from people around me and prove to myself that I was capable of achieving something I had always dreamed about.

Applying for the People Services Apprenticeship at Sunbelt Rentals was a huge step. I remember the mixture of excitement and nerves — hoping that this could be the opportunity that would change the direction of my future. Throughout the process, I had moments where I questioned whether I was the right person for the role, but I kept reminding myself to believe in what I could bring.

When I received the news that I had been successful, it was a moment I will always remember.

It wasn’t just an email offering me an apprenticeship. It was a moment where I felt proud of myself and everything I had worked towards. It was the feeling of knowing that the person sitting in that sixth form classroom, wondering what the future would hold, had taken their first step towards making their dreams a reality.

Starting my apprenticeship was exciting, but it was also a big adjustment. Going from sixth form into the workplace meant stepping into a completely new environment where I had to learn, adapt and grow quickly.

There were times when I found things challenging. Being an apprentice means constantly learning while also being expected to contribute as part of a team. Balancing my role alongside completing my CIPD Level 3 qualification has tested me in ways I didn’t expect. There have been deadlines that felt overwhelming, moments where I doubted myself and times where I had to push myself beyond what felt comfortable.

But those moments have become some of the most important parts of my journey.

They have taught me resilience, patience and the importance of believing in myself. I have learned that growth doesn’t always happen when things are easy — sometimes it comes from the moments where you have to keep going, ask questions and trust that you are capable of more than you realise.

One of the things that has made my apprenticeship so meaningful has been the opportunity to learn about the wider impact HR can have. A moment that really stayed with me was attending a Women’s Health event, where we discussed the challenges women can face in the workplace and how many working environments have not always been designed with women’s experiences and needs in mind.

The conversations were powerful because they highlighted something I have come to understand throughout my apprenticeship: workplaces are built around people, and every person has a different experience. It showed me how important it is for HR to listen, create understanding and help build environments where everyone feels supported and valued.

One of the most special moments of my apprenticeship so far was returning to my former sixth form to speak with Year 12 students about my journey.

Standing in the same place where I had once sat thinking about my own future felt like a full-circle moment. I could remember the uncertainty I felt and the questions I had about where my path would lead. Being able to stand there and tell students that I had taken that first step was something I felt incredibly proud of.

Looking back, my apprenticeship has given me so much more than workplace experience and a qualification. It has helped me discover my confidence, understand my strengths and realise the kind of impact I want to make in my career.

If I could give advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say: take the chance on yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out, and it’s okay to feel nervous. The moments where you challenge yourself are often the moments where you grow the most.

I am still completing my apprenticeship, but when I look back at how far I have come, I feel incredibly proud. What started as a hope for the future has become the beginning of a career I am passionate about - and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me.

Charley Field

Apprentice HR Assistant

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