“Always be ambitious and try your hardest,” was a young man’s message to others thinking of doing an apprenticeship.

Ilford Recorder: Jodeci Joseph receiving an apprenticeship award.Jodeci Joseph receiving an apprenticeship award. (Image: Jodeci Joseph)

Ending on Friday, the 10th annual National Apprenticeship week is designed to celebrate the scheme’s positive impact on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Jodeci Joseph, 20, of New North Road, Hainault, successfully gained a teaching and learning apprenticeship at Crownfield Infant School, White Hart Lane, Romford, last year.

“I never knew that I would get the apprenticeship,” he continued But it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.”

Jodeci had his mind set on being the first member of his family to attend university.

But his plans were thrown off course when he was diagnosed with bipolar at the age of 17.

“My whole world crashed around me and my grades plummeted,” he continued.

“I didn’t get the best grades but still got onto an apprenticeship.

In London, 46,280 apprentices were taken on in 2015/16 and 1,500 of those were from Redbridge.

“It helped me build up skills and confidence and raised my self-esteem,” added Jodeci.

“It gave me a purpose, that I could help people. The kids gave me energy and helped me feel good about myself.”

Jodeci now studies geography at the University of Hertfordshire and in November started his own motivational speaking company Motiv8.

“If motivational speaking doesn’t work out. Teaching is my number one choice,” he said.

For information search “apprenticeship” on gov.uk.