If you’re in college or sixth form and feeling unsure about your next step (or you know you want to do an apprenticeship but aren’t sure where exactly to begin) then this article is for you! I’ll share my journey into the construction industry, how I found my apprenticeship, and most importantly, how to start gaining work experience (even if it feels impossible right now, trust me I’ve been there too).

Why did I start OPPORTUNE NETWORK CIC you may ask? It is because I know what it felt like to lack opportunities. During my time in school, I had some support, but it was limited. I often felt unsure about my future and didn’t always have access to the experiences or role models that could help me move forward. I realised many young people were in the same position, not short of talent, just short of access.

When I look back at my career journey so far, I see a series of bold leaps rather than perfectly calculated steps. I moved from India to France for my master’s in management, eager to broaden my horizons and challenge myself in a completely new environment. From there, I moved again this time to the UK for an internship with the company where I now work full-time as an AI Marketing Executive.

I’ll set the scene. It’s late August and you’ve just received results that you’ve been told will change your life forever. You stand there nervously shaking whilst you open the envelope to find that the results you were dreaming for were just that, a dream. In an instant the entire future you envisioned comes crumbling down. That university accommodation you were going to share with your best friend: gone. Those late nights with study groups: gone.

I've had a 40+ year career which has taught me so much that I want to impart onto you, the next generation (Gen Z and Gen Alpha). Always remember that a career is like a marathon. It is not a sprint so pace yourself and build a winning strategy for you career!

You've completed the online application, gone past the online tests and navigated your interview successfully. However, one obstacle remains before you get that coveted job offer: the Assessment Centre! We will dive deeper into: 1.) What is an Assessment Centre? 2.) What employers look out for during the Assessment Centre 3.) How you can prepare to succeed at future Assessment Centres you attend.

My personal journey with autism including both the challenges and the positives and share some advice that might help others!

My first serious career goal was to become a doctor. Today, I work in healthcare tech showing how life doesn’t follow a straight path!

How do we support autism in the workplace? Raise your awareness of autism and learn strategies to support autistic individuals.