Dan's career journey

• Royal Manor Arts College, Portland
• Sports Coaching Level 3 at Weymouth College for a year, then left
• Engineering Level 3 at Weymouth College (one year)
• 4 year Apprenticeship in Engineering at FGP Systems, Weymouth where he won Apprentice of the Year 2018

What was your learning journey?

I was always good at maths and problem solving but I decided to go into sports coaching because I enjoy sports and thought that's what I thought I wanted to do. After a year on the Level 3 course I realised it wasn't for me.

At this point, I was going through another hard time with my family and living situation. I ended up living in a B&B for 4 months. It was small and I had no kitchen. I lived on pot noodles mostly. The college supported me through this time; they paid for my accommodation and I was entitled to food at college which helped.

What are you doing now?

I made good friends with a guy at college and his dad. They knew I was going through a difficult time and offered me a place to stay.

They both worked at FGP Systems and asked me if I had ever thought of doing engineering. I hadn't, but decided to try it. I started Engineering Level 3 at Weymouth College and I found I was a natural! My friend's dad suggested I finish that year and then if I still enjoyed it to apply for an apprenticeship at FGP Systems. I applied, did the test and passed!

I've just finished my 4 year apprenticeship and I'm on a very good salary now for my age. It was a total of 5 years with the year I did at college I completed in engineering. I was also awarded Apprenticeship of the Year 2018.

Find your education options

There are different ways to find out what your education options are:

• talk to your school tutor about the different career options or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/where-next
• find more career information on careerpilot.org.uk
• find information and support about options at 16 in Dorset from Flying Start