My Story

Engineering wasn’t always on my radar. Growing up, I was just really into building things—LEGO, K'Nex, anything that allowed me to be hands-on. I never thought too much about where that could take me. It was actually my mum and dad who encouraged me to start looking into engineering, to really understand what it could offer as a career.

Once I dug deeper, I saw how much potential it had. I realized I could earn a comfortable living, work hands-on, and progress as far as I wanted—all while gaining life skills that no other field could offer. That’s when it clicked for me: this was the path I wanted to take.

Determined to start my engineering journey, I printed several CV's and biked around to local firms, hoping for a chance—but I didn’t get any calls back. That’s when my parents suggested applying to HETA. As a 16-year-old eager for an apprenticeship, I dove into the challenging application process. I needed five C’s in GCSEs, along with passing several aptitude tests. Luckily, I had the grades, and an idea of what tests they were going to be by some quick research. 

On test day, I was nervous but gave it my best shot. I heard back a few days later that I’d passed, which led to an interview and eventually an open day where I had to 'sell myself' to various companies. The goal was to stand out, showing genuine interest in an engineering career.

In my first couple of attempts at getting an apprenticeship, I made some common mistakes. I was nervous, didn’t fully understand how to sell myself to companies, and honestly didn’t know what to expect in interviews. I’d walk in hoping my grades or basic interest in engineering would be enough, but I quickly learned that companies wanted to see confidence, passion, and a real understanding of what I could bring to their team.

Realising this, I knew I had to make a change. I started researching the companies more closely, practiced answering interview questions, and focused on showing genuine enthusiasm. I also adopted a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude, which helped me stay calm and confident. Over time, I got better at interviews and felt more prepared to communicate my skills and goals. Those early setbacks taught me a lot and prepared me for the opportunities that came next.

What I learned from my early experiences was invaluable. First, I realized that preparation is everything. Knowing the company, understanding the role, and being able to communicate why I was a good fit made all the difference. I also learned that it’s not just about technical skills; companies look for passion and confidence, too.

Another big lesson was the importance of resilience. Those initial rejections could have been discouraging, but instead, they pushed me to improve. I learned to take feedback, adapt, and go into every interview with a positive mindset and a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude.

Finally, I discovered the importance of networking and reaching out for advice. My dad’s connections, friends, and even online resources became valuable tools for learning the ins and outs of the industry. Each setback taught me something new, and I’m grateful for those lessons, as they made me stronger, more capable, and even more committed to a career in engineering.