Hey!

I'm pretty new to this whole blog thing so you'll have to bare with me :)

My journey to where I am today has been slightly surreal. I'm currently an apprentice at the BBC and absolutely loving it. Your question is probably, "How did you get that?" Well I'm going to tell you.

When my secondary school years were coming to an end it was time to start thinking about life a bit more seriously. When being in first year of Sixth Form at King David High School I was so set on going to University and living the student life. However when we were having more talks about University, I decided it wasn't for me. My first reason is that I had no clue what I wanted to do there and therefore I didn't want to waste my time. My second reason is pretty simple, I'm not particularly fond of studying and exams and my final reason is that I would just sleep and party.

Unfortunately, at my school they never really promoted alternatives if people didn't want to go to University. I first heard about apprenticeships via my older sister who also took the approach of not going to Uni. She has done an apprenticeship in Child Care and is now a fully qualified Nursery Nurse and has the best of both worlds, working, earning and still having an unbelievable social life.

Watching my sister succeed without going to Uni, I decided I was going to do the same. So, off my own back, I started to search and apply for apprenticeships in the industry field that I longed to be in. I was sadly getting no luck. Then one day, everything changed.

I had applied for the Production Management Apprenticeship back in April 2013 and had nothing back, so i automatically assumed that I didn't get it. Well, how wrong was I. In early July 2013 I received an email saying that I had been short-listed and invited for an interview. I did not hesitate one minute to book my place.

My interview day came, it was about the middle of July and I had to travel down to London which my dad so kindly did. The drive down, well I was a bag of nerves, so many thoughts were going through my head, what's it going to be like? What are the people going to be like? The interview process wasn't as bad as I thought. There was a group exercise, an individual exercise and a one-to-one interview. It was over and  I left feeling optimistic.

Approximately 5 days later, I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing and it was an unknown number, who on earth could this be waking me up in the early hours (11.10) of my summer holiday. "Hi Bianca, It's Darren from the BBC" I quickly shot up and pretended I'd be up for hours. "I would just like to inform you that you have been accepted to join our apprenticeship scheme" Tears, laughter and a scream all happened at the same time (sorry about that DJ Daz). This phone call had changed my life.

I quickly called my mum who was getting her nails done, well there were tears after tears, she couldn't have been more happier. She quickly came home and gave me the biggest hug ( as well as more tears). I then called my dad, who was at the bank, he couldn't really give a reaction, so he hung up. I got a call back and he was so happy and proud and came home and gave me a big hug as well.

I then went to tell the rest of my friends and family who were thrilled to hear that I had got my dream job.

Not applying to Uni was the biggest risk I ever took and it was probably the best thing I ever did. Do I regret not going to Uni? Not one bit. Why? Because I have the most amazing job, most supportive friends and family as well as a great social. I couldn't be prouder of myself and so thankful to the people who made my dream become a reality.

What are you thoughts of not going to university and taking a different approach?

Leave a comment below or ask any questions to my personal twitter @biancamarks95

Stay Fabulous

B ♥