If you'd asked me few years ago where I'd be today, I definitely wouldn't have said I'd be working as an engineering apprentice, travelling to sites across the UK, and encouraging other young people to consider apprenticeships.

Back then, I was just trying to figure out what to do with my future. Like a lot of people, I assumed university was the obvious next step, because that's what everyone around me expected. I had no idea that one decision to keep looking for another path would change everything.

Looking back, it wasn't one big moment that did it. It was lots of small ones. Taking a train on my own to ask if a college would still accept me after I'd missed the deadline. Leaving a course that didn't feel right. Applying for apprenticeship after apprenticeship. Saying yes to things that pushed me outside my comfort zone.

The biggest lesson I have learnt is that opportunities can change your life, but sometimes you have to be brave enough to go looking for them.

It Started with One Decision

At school, I was never the loudest person in the room. I was the quiet kid who got on with things. I wasn't top of the class, and I stayed out of trouble. One thing I did know was that I enjoyed practical learning, especially anything to do with engineering. The only problem was, I had no idea what kind of engineering I wanted to pursue.

After finishing my GCSEs, I enrolled at another sixth form to study Business because, based on my grades, that was the option available to me. I remember finishing my first day and thinking, "This isn't for me." That evening, I went home and started searching for other options and came across UTC Reading. The problem was that the application deadline had already passed.

I decided to ask anyway.

I'd never travelled to another city on my own before. I found the school, walked into reception, and asked if there was any chance, I could still apply. Instead of turning me away, they invited me to meet the Head of Department. We talked about why engineering interested me and why I felt UTC Reading was right for me. They gave me the chance to prove myself, and the next day I was starting there.

Looking back, it wasn't the train journey that changed things. It was deciding not to accept "no" before I'd even asked. That was probably the first time I realised opportunities don't always come to you. Sometimes you have to go looking for them.

Sometimes the First Plan Isn't the Right One

UTC Reading gave me exactly what I was looking for. It was a different way of learning, with a balance of theory and practical work. For the first time, I could see how the things I was learning connected to real engineering.

By the time I finished, I was proud of what I had achieved. I completed my engineering course with a Distinction, Distinction, Merit and, more importantly, I knew engineering was the direction I wanted to pursue.

Like most people, I assumed university was next, so I enrolled to study Civil Engineering. I enjoyed parts of it and met great people, but something didn't feel right. It wasn't just the course, it was how I learn best, the cost, and what I actually wanted from my future.

Deciding to leave wasn't easy. Coming from a background where university is seen as the goal, telling my parents I was taking a gap year felt huge. It felt like moving backwards while everyone else moved forwards.

I know now I wasn't moving backwards at all. I was just taking the time to find the path that suited me.

During that gap year, I looked properly into apprenticeships for the first time. I'd always assumed university was the better option, because that's what I'd been told. The more I researched, the more I realised I'd got it completely wrong. Earning while learning, gaining real qualifications, building experience from day one, it combined everything I'd loved at UTC Reading. So, I started applying.

Rejection Isn't the End

I thought the hard part was over. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I applied for many apprenticeships. Some never got a reply. Others ended in rejection. Every rejection knocked my confidence a little, especially after putting real time into each one. But every time I thought about giving up, I reminded myself why I started.

During this time, I was offered a smart metering apprenticeship, which I decided to take. It gave me valuable experience, allowed me to work with customers and helped me understand what life as an apprentice was really like.

After a few months, I realised it was not the direction I wanted my long-term career to take. There was nothing wrong with the role, but I wanted to work in an area where I could continue developing my engineering skills.

So, while I was still working, I continued applying.

That experience taught me something important. Accepting one opportunity does not mean you have to stop searching for the right one.

Then I came across an apprenticeship with Siemens.

The Call I'll Never Forget

Like the others, it started with an online application and assessment, then an invite to an assessment day. I left home with plenty of time, but heavy traffic had other plans. As the minutes ticked by, I realised I wasn't going to make it.

When I arrived, the day had already started. I apologised to the hiring manager, explained what happened, and thankfully they understood. From that point, I stopped thinking about being late. There was nothing left to do about it, so I focused on what I could control.

There were around 12 candidates that day, so I knew the competition was strong. Instead of worrying about everyone else, I just focused on being myself: asking questions, getting involved, giving every task my full effort. My goal wasn't to be perfect, just to leave knowing I'd done my best.

Then all I could do was wait.

Two days later, I got a text from the hiring manager: "Are you free for a call?" I don't think I've ever answered a phone that fast. A few moments later, I heard the words I'd been hoping for. I'd got the apprenticeship.

The first people I told were my parents. After all the uncertainty, the rejections, and the waiting, it finally felt like the hard work had paid off. At the time, I thought I'd just been offered an apprenticeship. Looking back, I'd been given something much bigger. I had no idea how many doors it would go on to open.

More Than Just an Apprenticeship

Starting my apprenticeship was exciting, but it was also a huge learning curve. I was no longer learning only from textbooks. I was working alongside experienced engineers, visiting real sites and being trusted with real responsibilities.

One moment that really stood out to me was my first proper visit to a data centre. I was asked to create a network topology using Microsoft Visio. I had never used Visio before, but I learnt how engineers use these tools to communicate designs and information.

That was the moment it started to feel real.

I was not just studying engineering anymore. I was doing it.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I have continued pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Becoming a Siemens Early Careers Brand Ambassador was one of those opportunities. A few years earlier, I would have avoided speaking in front of people whenever possible. Even now, I still get nervous before presentations, but I have learnt not to let that stop me.

I have also had the opportunity to become a BCIA Young Engineers Network Ambassador, helping encourage more young people to consider careers in building controls and engineering.

The biggest lesson isn't that confidence suddenly appears one day. It's that it grows every time you do something a little uncomfortable. I'm still learning, still making mistakes, still asking questions, and that's exactly what an apprenticeship is for.

If I Could Give One Piece of Advice...

If you're reading this because you're considering an apprenticeship, or you've applied a few times without luck, my advice is simple.

keep going.

I know how it feels to put time into an application, wait for a response, and get another rejection. It makes you question yourself. But don't let one "no" decide your future. Every application is a chance to learn, improve, and get one step closer to the right role. Sometimes the right opportunity isn't the first one, and that's okay.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, either. I used to keep everything to myself. Now, if I don't understand something, I ask, and more often than not, people are happy to help.

And don't worry if your path looks different from everyone else's. Mine certainly did. I changed sixth forms after one day. I started university, then realised it wasn't right. I took a gap year.

I accepted one apprenticeship before finding the one I actually wanted. None of it was a mistake, it was all part of finding where I belonged.

Outside of work, I still enjoy playing cricket, reading about aviation, fixing the odd problem on my car and figuring out how things work. Engineering hasn't changed who I am. If anything, it's made me even more curious.

If you'd told the younger version of me, I'd be writing this blog one day, I wouldn't have believed you. The quiet kid who didn't know what career to choose is now doing a job he enjoys, meeting inspiring people, and encouraging others to consider apprenticeships, all because I decided to keep looking for the right opportunity.

You never know which opportunity will change your life. So, when one comes along, don't be afraid to take it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you would like to connect or have any questions about apprenticeships, feel free to find me on LinkedIn.

Abdurraheem Rizan

BMS Engineer Apprentice

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