My name is Maks, and I am an apprentice at Marlowe Fire & Security. I work in the Learning and Development department and have no previous experience in business or the fire and security industry.
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?
Throughout my life, I was consistently advised that university was the key to progressing towards a successful, well paid career.
With this in mind, I worked my way through secondary school and college, with a plan to go to university to further my education. During this time, I was inundated with talks carried out by various universities, promoting the benefits of university life, and the importance of a degree. However, I very rarely received any exposure to information regarding apprenticeships, despite all their advantages.
I always thought I wanted to go to university and never deferred from that path until I hit breaking point whilst revising throughout my holiday for an important exam that was going to determine my future and dictate which university I would be accepted into. With the constant pressure of traditional exams, I was always worrying about performing well, and I devoted all my spare time to focus solely on revision.
I’ve always enjoyed working, and have held several part-time jobs since the age of 14, all alongside my education. I had never considered an apprenticeship before, possibly due to a lack of information, and the perception that it wasn’t the typical next step in my life. However, after looking into this option further, I decided that an apprenticeship was more aligned with my learning style and preferences, so I made the decision to advance my career through an apprenticeship.
What has your experience been like so far as an apprentice?
Choosing to do an apprenticeship after college was the best decision for me. I initially took a gap year to think it through and now I work alongside experienced individuals who know the industry inside and out.
I earn whilst I learn, and don’t have to worry about the constant stress of exams and the need to spend every spare moment I have revising.
As well as gaining valuable experience, I am able to dedicate time specifically for training and study-related activities, allowing me to enjoy my weekends and spend time doing the things I love.
I am acquiring recognised certifications, enhancing my job prospects, and earning a salary concurrently, rather than accumulating debts to repay.
Having no prior background in business, the presence of this exceptional support system greatly assists me. It encourages me to seek guidance from peers who possess significantly more expertise than me, without experiencing any sense of inadequacy. I have the opportunity to explore various aspects of the business and discover my areas of interest.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering the next steps of their career?
If you are uncertain about your career path, I would highly recommend considering pursuing an apprenticeship to gain practical experience in the field!