The education system teaches you that there’s only one path to success.

That your entire future is defined by the grades you get in school.

But for many, that’s simply not reality.

This week marks National Apprenticeship Week, and I’ve seen some brilliant posts highlighting the value of apprenticeships. It’s a great reminder that there isn’t just one way to build a successful career.

For those who don’t know, I started my journey in media at 17, as an apprentice.

So young that I couldn’t even grab a drink with my team and had only just learned to drive…

In sixth form, I was far from a model student. I spent all of my free time working on social media marketing for local businesses & building e-commerce brands, basically doing everything except what I should have been doing as a student.

Going into the second year, I quite quickly realised I couldn't go through another year like this. So I took a leap.

Looking back, it is one of those pivotal moments that changed the direction of my life and it was the best decision I could have made.

I’ll always be grateful for the people who took a chance on me at 17 and the support I’ve received throughout my career, before my apprenticeship, during, and still to this day.

Choosing an apprenticeship was the best career decision I’ve made.

I went in with one goal: to be a sponge. To learn everything I could from the people around me, to absorb knowledge on the job, and over time, to build my confidence and ability.

For those early in their careers: the most traveled path isn’t always the right one.

I was lucky to land in an industry I love. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in advertising. But if you don’t know yet, that’s okay. It sounds cliche, but try to find something you love. We spend a huge portion of our lives working, there's no point wasting it doing something you don't enjoy.

For employers: take a chance on young talent.

There are so many young people out there willing to work relentlessly, eager to learn, and full of fresh perspectives. Their curiosity, perhaps even their naivety, can be a breath of fresh air for any business.

Look at the people who disrupt industries and challenge the status quo. More often than not, they’re outsiders looking in, asking if there’s a better way to do things.

I see constant reports about a “talent shortage” in advertising and media. There’s no single solution, but one thing is clear: we need to do more to bring young people into this industry, show them why it's great, and be willing to take a chance on them.