When I look back at where I started, I often think about the word "no."

In the world of careers and education, we are taught to fear rejection. We treat it like a closed door or a sign that we aren’t good enough. But if there is one thing my journey into engineering has taught me, it’s this: Rejection is simply redirection. Today, I am a Mechatronics Engineering Apprentice at Amazon. I spend my days working at the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering—solving complex problems, building systems, and learning how the backbone of modern logistics actually functions. But getting here wasn't a straight line. It was a path paved with persistence, a few "not right nows," and a firm belief that I belonged in this industry, even when the world around me didn't always reflect that.

Finding My "Why"

I’ve always been a "maker." From a young age, I was drawn to how things worked. I didn't just want to see the finished product; I wanted to understand the gears, the circuits, and the logic behind them.

When I reached Sixth Form, I hit my first real roadblock. I attended an all-girls school that had limited STEM options. There was no Physics and no Engineering. For many, that would have been the end of the dream. I remember feeling a sense of doubt—how could I become an engineer if I wasn't even able to study the "right" subjects?

But I realised early on that traditional classroom learning wasn't the only way to grow. I thrive when I am doing. I wanted a pathway that aligned with my natural curiosity and my ambition to contribute to a real workplace from day one. I didn't want to wait four years to start my career; I wanted to build it now. That is why I chose an apprenticeship.

The Power of "And"

Before I landed my role at Amazon, my life was a balancing act. I wasn't "just" a student. I was a black belt in training, a part-time worker, a volunteer in my community, a small business owner, and a leader for a local scouts group.

People often ask me how I managed it all while studying for exams. The truth is, those commitments were my training ground. They taught me the discipline and time management that I use every single day on the engineering floor. When you are the youngest person in the room—and often the only woman, the only Muslim, and the only person of Asian heritage—you need more than just technical skills. You need the resilience that comes from pushing yourself in every area of your life.

Breaking the Mold

Stepping into the engineering world at Amazon was a massive shift. I went from an all-girls educational environment to a predominantly male workspace.

I won’t sugarcoat it: being "the only" in a room can be daunting. There are currently no female senior engineers at my site, and that is a reality I face every morning. But instead of letting that intimidate me, I see it as a mandate. I am not just there to learn; I am there to show that progression in engineering is achievable regardless of your background, gender, or ethnicity.

Every time I help solve a mechanical fault, I am challenging a stereotype. I am proving that diversity isn't just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for innovation.

Giving Back and Looking Forward

Because of the hurdles I faced, I’ve made it my mission to ensure the path is smoother for those coming after me. Whether it’s serving on the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Apprentice Board, working with the Association of Muslim Apprentices (AMA), or co-hosting events for National Apprenticeship Week, I want to change the narrative.

My Advice to Aspiring Apprentices

If you are currently looking for an apprenticeship and feeling the sting of rejection, here are a few pieces of advice from someone who has been exactly where you are:

1. Don't let your current environment define your future.

If your school doesn't offer the subject you love, find a way to learn it anyway. Use online resources, join community groups like the scouts or STEM clubs, and build your own "portfolio" of skills. Employers value proactivity just as much as grades.

2. See "No" as "Not This Way."

I was rejected multiple times before I got multiple offers. Each rejection taught me how to interview better, how to sharpen my CV, and how to articulate my passion more clearly. Each "no" brought me one step closer to the "yes" that actually mattered.

3. Embrace being "The Only."

If you enter a workspace and no one looks like you, don't shrink. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Engineering is about problem-solving, and you cannot solve complex problems if everyone in the room thinks the same way.

To anyone considering an apprenticeship: it won’t always be easy, and it definitely won't be a straight line. But if you are willing to work hard, stay disciplined, and view every rejection as a redirection, you will find yourself exactly where you are meant to be.

Let’s get to work.

Maleeha Patel

Mechatronics Engineering Apprentice | Board member at WES Apprentice Board | Scouts Leader | Founder of TCC

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