“Apprentice Nation has been so beneficial to me, from developing my skills through the Skills Hub and attending events like Birmingham Skills Fest to being part of an amazing group of people through the Youth Advisors Network and connecting with mentors who guided my career journey.”
Manjina, based in Leicester, is in the fourth year of her Level 7 Apprenticeship in accountancy with Grant Thornton, where she works as an Audit Associate while pursuing her studies. In her free time, she enjoys shows like The Apprentice, listening to diverse music genres, acting, and spending time with family and friends. Here, Manjina shares how Apprentice Nation and the Youth Advisors Network supported her in making key decisions that shaped her personal and professional journey.
What challenges have you faced in your career journey thus far?
Like many, I faced uncertainty about my path after college. There used to be a common misconception that apprenticeships are only for those who don’t achieve strong academic results, but I knew this wasn’t true. Choosing the apprenticeship route for its hands-on experience, I struggled to stand out in applications and secure the role I wanted. Without prior work experience or a professional network, I felt at a disadvantage and needed clearer guidance to achieve my goals and start my desired career path.
What other misconceptions did you have about apprenticeships, and how has your experience changed your perspective??
I’ve learned that pursuing an apprenticeship doesn’t mean you’re academically less inclined, it’s simply another path to success.
The other misconception I had about apprenticeships was that it meant you were stuck in one career path without the time to explore other passions and hobbies like you were in university. Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to explore diverse career paths and passions, such as joining the newsletter editorial team to cover DEI topics within my service line.
Why did you join the Youth Advisors Network?
I joined the Youth Advisors Network (YAN) to advocate for apprenticeships and enhance my skills. Already an apprentice at Grant Thornton, I saw YAN as an opportunity to further my development through workshops on goal-setting, reflection, and tailored mentor advice. These sessions have been invaluable in my apprenticeship journey. I also wanted to address misconceptions about apprenticeships. Like many, I initially felt uncertain about this path due to mixed messages. YAN has given me a platform to share my experience and highlight the true potential of apprenticeships.
What about the Youth Advisors Network has benefitted you the most, especially in areas you wouldn’t have explored at school or college?
The Youth Advisors Network helped me build key skills like presenting and communicating ideas effectively. At the Birmingham Skills Fest, for example, I presented to an audience, which taught me to deliver concise, engaging messages—a skill I now use regularly as an apprentice and will continue to rely on in my career. The program’s structured virtual meetings and collaborative environment were both motivating and inspiring, allowing me to learn from peers with diverse backgrounds. Creative tasks, like the goal-setting project, were especially impactful—not only completing my own but also gaining insights from others’ unique approaches.
What are your top 3 takeaways from being part of the Youth Advisors Network?
- Confidence to pursue my interests: The program inspired me to embrace my creative side. Seeing others follow their passions motivated me to join a local acting school—something I hadn’t considered before.
- Active reflection on growth: Apprentice Nation encouraged me to deeply evaluate my goals. Presenting my personal aspirations to the network helped me clarify my direction and set a clear path for development.
- Inspiration from a diverse group: Being surrounded by people with varied ambitions showed me there are countless ways to succeed. It’s encouraged me to stay focused and keep working towards my unique goals.
If you could have one music track represent your life, what would it be?
Bam Bam – Camilla Cabelo & Ed Sheeran. I know this song is more about moving on from a romantic partner, however, I have a different take on it. For me, it captures the idea that life changes and you can’t dwell on the negatives in life for too long – that is just part of the beauty of living. Acknowledging this and being okay with having to adapt how you do things is, I believe, an important skill in life!
Apprentice Nation is a free platform for 16-24 year olds that provides them with the tools to shape your future and develop your career skills. By signing up you will get access to free videos and events featuring UK artists such as Headie One, RAYE, Cat Burns and AJ Tracey.
You can then earn credits to unlock rewards including exclusive mentor sessions.
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