'Your background doesn't determine your success, passion does'

Growing up, I never thought that I’d belong in STEM.

But here I am, a civil engineering degree apprentice at National Highways, and I absolutely love it.

But my life wasn’t always heading in this direction.

I didn’t fit in

I felt excluded in high school. Despite being labelled as talented by my teachers, I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, especially not in STEM.

I thought that someone from my background who was working class and a person of colour was not capable of getting into the engineering world.

I’d always believed that STEM was for people from certain backgrounds, with certain opportunities.

I didn’t see anyone like me in engineering, so I assumed it wasn’t for me.

So, after obtaining my GCSEs, I decided not to pursue further education and searched for part-time work. That is where things started to change.

Discovering the diversity in civil engineering

I stumbled upon a level 3 apprenticeship in civil engineering, only I had no idea what it was!

But curiosity got the better of me, so I began to do some research and that’s when I came across the ICE.

I was amazed by the diversity in the industry and the incredible projects civil engineers were working on.

For the first time, I felt like this could be for someone like me.

The ICE’s focus on diversity made me feel like I belonged, and all the doubts that I previously held began to fade away.

Civil engineering is for people who want to make a difference

I realised civil engineering isn't for people from certain backgrounds, with certain opportunities. It’s for people who want to make a difference.

Civil engineering isn’t just about building structures, it’s about shaping society.

From bridges to highways, every project has a purpose, and that fascinated me.

I came across the Barra Olympic Park and I was amazed at how it wasn’t just a venue but a space that brought communities and families together while being part of history.

This is where I fell in love with civil engineering.

My passion for civil engineering kept me going

I decided to pursue further education and sit my A-levels.

My school years were marked by disengagement and self-doubt, and the thought of going back felt daunting.

However, my unwavering passion for civil engineering kept me going, as I’d promised myself that I’d break into the industry.

The challenges I faced

Balancing my studies with part-time work was tough.

There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, especially after taking subjects that I’d neglected for years.

However, every challenge gave me an opportunity to excel.

Civil engineering wasn’t just any job for me, but a new profound passion.

My determination to succeed grew stronger with every small victory, whether it was mastering a difficult topic or achieving a higher grade than I thought possible.

Finding belonging

I was very fortunate to attend a summer school at the University of Cambridge where I expanded my knowledge on design and engineering.

I met like-minded individuals who shared my passion.

The summer school reinforced my belief that I belonged in this field and gave me the confidence to aim higher.

I then began applying for degree apprenticeships where hard work finally paid off and I secured an offer to be a civil engineering apprentice.

Learning what success in civil engineering is really about

Now, I’m a civil engineering degree apprentice at National Highways and the first in my family to attend university. It’s a dream that I never thought possible.

Coming from a working-class family and an ethnic background, I used to think these factors would hold me back.

But I’ve learned that success in engineering isn’t about where you come from, it’s about passion, determination, and hard work.

To be a successful civil engineer isn’t to make money but to love what you do.

Our backgrounds don’t define us

If you yourself hold doubt, then know that your background doesn’t define you, nor does it define your future.

Civil engineering is career open to all.