My Life: Abigail Stubbs, 18, London

I never did well under exam conditions. I suppose that is what pushed me to do an apprenticeship. In exams I panicked, impacting on my performance, and my final grades never represented my full potential.

I first looked into apprenticeships after finishing my GCSEs, but school encouraged me to stay on to the sixth form.

In the summer of year 12 I did six weeks’ work experience. I learnt a lot in this time and realised I definitely didn’t want to go back to school. I started applying for apprenticeships but didn’t get much response. This didn’t discourage me.

When the temporary role came to an end, Prospects, the company I was working for, extended my contract giving me a new role providing admin support for one of their teams. I learned more about the team and working environment.

I spoke to members of the team about how much I enjoyed the role, and was offered a one-year apprenticeship. Prospects has designed the apprenticeship for me; I am doing a Level 3 business and administration course with the local college.

I am now five months in and really enjoying it. I’m not doing exams so I am much less stressed and hope the outcome will better represent my true potential. It has helped me discover what I do and don’t like about working life and I hope to progress my career after my apprenticeship ends.