From University Dropout to Award-Winning Apprentice

In life, we all encounter challenges that test our resilience and character. For me, it was the decision to leave university and start afresh as an IT degree apprentice at Howden. At the time, I didn’t know that this decision would lead to a rewarding experience filled with growth, learning, and a platform to inspire others, but dropping out of university and doing a degree apprenticeship has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I would make the same decision 10 out of 10 times.

The Turning Point

I remember the moment vividly when I decided I didn’t want to go back to university. It was during the Covid lockdowns, a time of uncertainty and reflection for everyone. During this period, I found myself questioning my time at university from a career perspective. I repeatedly asked myself, “Am I making the right decision by staying? Or do I need to do something else and find my own path?”

I was studying electrical engineering at the time, but I couldn’t see myself pursuing a career in that field. It didn’t feel authentic to who I was or what I wanted to do. I wanted a career where I could merge technical expertise with creativity, problem-solving, and making an impact in ways that felt more aligned with my passions.

Dropping out of university felt like a fresh start, a blank canvas. I realised that this was an opportunity to forge a new path for myself. I began researching alternatives and remembered an opportunity that we were briefly introduced to back when I was 17/18. It was known as a degree apprenticeship. They offered something that felt like the perfect fit, a combination of real-world experience and formal education. I could gain practical skills while earning a degree, and more importantly, I’d be doing work and spending my time becoming the person I wanted to be.

I decided to take the plunge. It wasn’t an easy decision, but looking back, it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Diving Into the Apprenticeship World

Starting my apprenticeship with Howden was a new chapter in my life. From the outset, I embraced the core values of professionalism, perseverance, and creativity. These principles helped me navigate the challenges that came with entering the professional world as an apprentice.

The work was hands-on and engaging. I had the opportunity to contribute to challenging IT projects, including supporting IT integrations for mergers and acquisitions. One of the biggest learning experiences for me was learning how to automate workflows using ServiceNow, a platform that enabled us to streamline and optimise business processes. It was interesting to see how technology could be used to solve real world problems and add value to the business.

These projects not only enhanced my skills and technical knowledge but also taught me the value of resilience and a strong work ethic. I quickly learned that success in the workplace required collaboration, curiosity, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

Overcoming Challenges

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its obstacles. Initially, I felt out of my depth in a corporate environment. The shift from being a student to working in a professional setting was daunting. Impostor syndrome kicked in, and I often wondered if I truly belonged in this space.

However, I leaned on my team and friends for support and embraced continuous learning. I took every opportunity to expand my knowledge, earning IT certifications to deepen my understanding of IT service management and project delivery. With each passing day, my confidence grew, and I began to see challenges as opportunities to prove myself.

One defining moment during my apprenticeship was being part of a major acquisition integration project. This involved supporting my team to configure IT systems, enhance security measures, and enable seamless collaboration between teams across different regions. At first, the scale of the project felt overwhelming. But by breaking it down into manageable steps and working closely with my colleagues, we successfully delivered the project.

By the end of the project, I felt like a true professional. That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens. If I could tackle something that seemed impossible at first, there was no limit to what I could achieve.

Giving Back and Inspiring Others

As my confidence grew, so did my desire to give back and inspire others. My journey wasn’t just about achieving personal success it’s about showing others what is possible, especially young people who were still figuring out their paths.

I started speaking to aspiring apprentices and early career starters, guiding them through the challenges of starting their professional journeys. Sharing my story on platforms like LinkedIn allowed me to reach an even broader audience, and I was thrilled to be part of campaigns like the Department for Education’s ‘Skills for Life.’ Through these initiatives, I advocated for apprenticeships as a viable and rewarding alternative to university.

One of my proudest contributions at Howden was creating an internal podcast episode. The goal was to bring employees together by sharing inspiring stories and celebrating our diverse company culture. It was a small initiative, but it had a big impact. Moments like these remind me of the power of storytelling and the role we all play in lifting others through our experiences.

Advice for Young Dreamers

To anyone still searching for their first job or apprenticeship, believe in your vision, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Resilience is key. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

It’s important to respect the process and be patient with yourself. When you finally land that opportunity, make the most of it. Be curious, work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Looking Ahead

Today, I’m proud to have achieved a first-class degree in Digital and Technology Solutions and be named Apprentice of the Year at the UK IT Awards while contributing meaningfully to my organisation. My journey has since taken another exciting turn: I’ve transitioned from IT into insurance broking. In my current role, I help asset management companies manage risks, adding another layer of versatility to my skill set.

This shift is a testament to the endless possibilities that come with building a strong foundation through apprenticeships. It’s a reminder that your career is not a straight line, it’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and opportunities to reinvent yourself.

Why My Journey Matters

I hope my story serves as a reminder that success is not about where you start but how you choose to navigate the journey. Dropping out of university might have seemed like a setback to some, but for me, it was the first step toward discovering my true potential.

My mission is to continue advocating for apprenticeships and helping others see the value they offer. If my story inspires even one person to take that leap of faith and pursue their dreams, then I know my journey has been worthwhile.

So, to all the young dreamers out there: take that first step. The path may not always be clear, but with resilience, curiosity, and hard work, you can create a future that’s uniquely yours.

 

Bolu Olawaye

Asset Management | Insurance Broker | Property Entrepreneur

You can find out more and connect with Bolu on LinkedIn.