My time at College was a bit of a mixed bag. I was shy and nervous for most of it, but I had good friends and could be myself around them. I struggled to fit neatly into one friendship group and often found myself moving between different circles, trying to figure out where I belonged. Looking back, though, I really enjoyed my time there, especially in my second year. When the pressure of exams arrived, I finally put my head down and focused. I didn’t come away with perfect grades across the board, but I achieved results I was genuinely proud of, and that’s what mattered.

One of my favourite subjects was Product Design. It gave me the freedom to be creative, experiment with ideas and turn rough concepts into something real. Although I now work in engineering, which is often more technical than creative, that subject had a lasting impact on me.

It encouraged me to find creative outlets outside of work. Since leaving College, I’ve explored art, writing and publishing books, graphic design and illustration, things I never would have imagined myself doing a few years ago. I’ve even performed stand-up comedy, which still feels strange to say considering how shy I used to be.

Thinking about it, one of the biggest changes since College isn’t what I’ve worked on, it’s who I’ve become. I made a conscious decision not to stay the shy person I had been growing up. It wasn’t comfortable. Speaking to new people, attending networking events and putting myself out there often felt intimidating. I still get nervous now. The difference is that I don’t let it stop me.

After College, I began a Building Services Engineering Apprenticeship at Buro Happold while studying part-time. I recently completed the first stage of the programme, achieving a Level 4 qualification in Building Services Engineering, and am now progressing towards the degree stage of the apprenticeship.

My role is as an MEP BIM Apprentice. In simple terms, I design and model many of the systems that make buildings function, including pipework, ventilation, cable routes and other infrastructure. If structural engineers create the skeleton of a building, MEP engineers help provide the systems that keep it running.

I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work. As a teenager, I once dismantled our dishwasher while my parents were out so I could clean it and understand how it worked. I managed to put it back together again, although unfortunately I also managed to break it. On another occasion, I attempted to fix a shower and somehow turned a small problem into a much larger leak. So becoming a theoretical plumber was probably always on the cards.

One of the biggest challenges in moving from College into work was adjusting to having real responsibility. At College, mistakes mainly affected your grades. In the workplace, people rely on you, and that can feel daunting when you’re starting out.

Over time, though, I’ve built my confidence, developed my technical knowledge and gained a much better understanding of the industry. One of the things I am most proud of is that I now help teach others aspects of my role, which is something I never imagined when I first started.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work on a wide range of projects, but one of my favourites involved helping to calculate the embodied carbon of a residential tower. I even used automation to improve part of the process. It might sound boring to some people, but finding a smarter way to solve a problem was genuinely exciting.

I’ve also had opportunities to attend careers fairs, speak in schools and meet people from across the industry. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that every conversation is an opportunity to learn something. Whether you’re talking to engineers, contractors or the catering staff, people usually have interesting stories to tell if you’re willing to listen.

Looking ahead, I want to keep learning, continue developing my technical skills and work on projects that make a positive impact. Ideally, without breaking any more dishwashers.

The advice I would give to current students is simple: don’t feel that you need to know everything.

For a long time, I judged myself too harshly, whether that was how I interacted with people or how I approached a task. Looking back, being curious about why I felt that way would have been more useful than criticising myself. I spent far more time focusing on what I wasn’t doing well than recognising what I had already achieved.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, don’t lose yourself. You may be competing against people with similar qualifications and experiences, but what really makes you stand out is your personality, your drive and your passion for what you do. Stay curious, keep learning and hold on to the things that genuinely interest you. Those are often the qualities people remember most.

Ed Jobling
Reigate College: 2022-2024
Higher Education: Building Services Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at London South Bank University while working as an MEP BIM Apprentice for Buro Happold