Cars are a shared love in my home. Both my parents love Formula One and I grew up watching  Top Gear and my dad bought me loads of the magazines. I knew I wanted to work within the car industry, and I applied everywhere to get work experience whilst at sixth form studying for my A-levels. Not many people allow 16–18-year-olds to work for them and most business want industry experience. It’s tough getting that first opportunity and taking the first step forward.

I applied for car industry apprenticeships and full-time jobs, and I was offered 2 apprenticeships. I accepted the offer at Rolls-Royce because I wanted to work for a growing, stable business where there was good job security and Rolls-Royce felt like the best business to offer me that. I also felt Rolls-Royce has a continuous rising popularity for bespoke options and features within both the exterior and interior of the car which I could apply my artistic skills into action.

Although I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship, I first wanted to go to college and get another level of qualifications. I started applying for apprenticeships in the UK and abroad when I was in sixth form (in year 13).

I love art and it gives me lots of enjoyment. Everyone was surprised that I didn’t want to study it at a degree level at university. But I wanted to protect my love of art, and not allow it to become something that was more of a chore. I  chose to study product design, art and BTech Applied Science.

My favourite part of the apprenticeships is the cars. I love all sorts of cars, and I really enjoy seeing them every day – especially luxury Rolls-Royces.

Meeting other people is good fun too. When you start the apprenticeship, you do an outdoor  adventure break with other apprentices across the BMW Group. I really liked the rafting, rock climbing and navigation activities. We all had a really nice time networking and meeting other BMW group apprentices who had recently started their journeys in the business.  

I have never been very confident, but working at Rolls-Royce has really helped me build on that and my self-esteem. My presentation skills have grown, and my artwork has transformed and developed. I have gained a lot of experience no university or school would ever be able teach me to this level.