My Life: Amin Hassan, 21, Isleworth
Amin Hassan
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
When I left college, I was no different to many of my friends and colleagues who did not know what to do with their lives and where to begin their careers.
I didn't know at the time that my part-time job in the delivery department of a retail store would be the first step towards my current position.
I decided that I wanted to do an apprenticeship in the logistics industry when I got promoted within my first year of working at the retail store - it gave me a real motivational boost and I wanted to become an expert in the field.
I knew not going to university was the best option for me and it would lead to many job opportunities - learning while working was an exciting idea. Starting here would allow me to have skills that would last a lifetime - and no student loan to pay back was a bonus, too.
Two months ago, I received a leaflet about London's Youth Employment Skills (YES) programme, and I enlisted straight away. YES was free and allowed me to have a better insight on the job application process.
I worked closely with my mentor who provided me with great support and help for CV writing, job searching and practicing interview techniques. We found an amazing apprenticeship opportunity with DHL which I applied for and subsequently got.
I love that I'm not stuck in a classroom for hours; instead, I'm doing my own research and taking part in interactive lessons.
The apprenticeship is a huge opportunity. I wake up every day knowing I am working in a field that I love and find challenging.