Triumph over adversity

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to Cadell Hoggan, a mechanical engineering apprentice with our partners at QinetiQ. Cadell tells us how he overcame adversity to achieve his dream role and explained how his apprenticeship is laying the foundations for his career.

Thank you to Cadell for sharing your inspiring story which highlights that through resilience, ambition and confidence, you can achieve your dreams.

JET supports young people who are lacking in confidence and facing adversity. How do these challenges resonate with your own experiences?

I was raised in a single parent household with all of my siblings and me having disabilities in some form. I struggled with learning and was always behind in my classes as I could not understand what my teachers were teaching.

My siblings where all very academic and I was the only one who struggled in school, always being compared to and held to the high standard of my siblings. It impacted my confidence which I then lacked for many years as I felt like I was always being compared to them.

What barriers did you face during your education journey and what challenges have you faced as you’ve progressed into your role today?

During education I was never academic. My written English was terrible and I did not think I would pass my GCSE  – but I could talk for England! My industry is hard to get into. A lot of people who are in my industry are very academic but I was not. Putting myself aside from the crowd was a struggle but being confident was the key.

How did you break into the sector and what are you tips to those who might want to follow?

I did it by networking and finding people in the business who helped me look for what is right for me.

My best advice for people who want to follow in my footsteps in to search for what you want to do and talk to people who are in the field as they will help you the most. Networking will get you far.

What inspired you about this role and what continues to motivate you at work?

The role I am in is a very social role and I am a very social person. The reason I enjoy it so much is because I believe I am making a difference by doing what I do. The thing that motivates me the most is loving what I do as it feels like I never work a day in my life!

Given your own experiences, what advice would you give to our students that might help them on their own journey?

Give it your best shot and if you don’t get it right the first time, try again. No one is ever perfect. Find what you enjoy doing as the passion will drive you far and you will thrive in what you are doing. Most importantly though never give up on yourself – you can do it!

What more could we all do to support all young people to thrive, regardless of their starting point?

Every young person has potential so do not give up on them. Find the best way for them to learn and thrive and they will go far.

Thank you, Cadell!

ENDS