"I have countless opportunities and newfound confidence."

To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Cerys Mackenzie talks about how her apprenticeship with Sanctuary Students has helped her to unlock her own potential and kickstart her career.

Cerys said: "I had no idea in what I wanted to do after I left secondary school. We were told the only options were going to university or getting a full time job - which for a 16-year-old, is incredibly daunting, and honestly terrifying to hear.?

I was told to pursue my best performing subject, which at the time was business. I applied to universities for a business course - despite my heart not being in it.

After completing a year of my HNC in business, I had fallen into a rut.?I did not want to pursue it any further?but I was terrified to get a 'real job'. I was working part-time in a cinema and knew this wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I started to look into housing jobs and came across Sanctuary's Business and Administration Apprentice position. I hadn't?previously considered an apprenticeship as I thought these were only for trades such as electricians and plumbers.

"I was wary about applying due to my age as I was 21?and?had thought apprenticeships were only available to 16/17 year-olds who had just left school.?But I did apply, and after an interview I was offered the position, and it's been an incredible experience since.

I was going in blind to the housing sector and was very nervous, but I was welcomed and shown how the Sanctuary Students accommodation site operated. I loved learning how to do the daily admin tasks and getting to speak to the students. As I carried out more tasks, I could feel my confidence growing.

I feel like I have developed immensely since starting my apprenticeship, and I have options for further growth and development. My career has now begun and I have countless opportunities and newfound confidence.

"I learnt so much during my apprenticeship and it's been a very positive experience. I’ve got?to experience working with a great team in an office environment and having my own daily responsibilities and independence.?

Since completing my apprenticeship, I am now carrying out a secondment for an Assistant Accommodation Manager position. I love seeing myself progress further and learn more every day. I've also decided to undertake a Management Apprenticeship while I work in this new position.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.?I had no idea what I wanted to do but now I am progressing in the housing sector and have gained valuable experience and knowledge.

"It doesn’t matter what your age is, or if you are uncertain about what you want to do. An apprenticeship is an incredible option for kickstarting a career, and I don’t know why it's not discussed more."