Stoneyholme, Burnley – A 17-year-old from Stoneyholme has found himself caught in a frustrating loop — one familiar to many young people trying to enter the skilled trades. After leaving school to pursue a career as an electrician, his efforts to secure an apprenticeship have been repeatedly knocked back for the same reason: a lack of experience.
But as he points out, “How do you get experience if no one will give you the chance?”
Determined to make something of himself, the teenager began applying for electrical apprenticeships shortly after leaving school earlier this year. He was eager to take a practical route into the workforce, believing an apprenticeship would offer the hands-on learning he needed.
Instead, he was met with rejection after rejection. Each company he applied to told him the same thing: they were looking for applicants with more experience — experience he didn’t yet have.
With summer coming to an end and his hopes of landing an apprenticeship fading, he decided to take a new approach. He enrolled in a short course in Electrical Installation at a local college, drawn by the practical focus and fewer theory-based lessons.
“For the first time, I actually enjoyed learning,” he said. “We were working with real tools, doing real jobs. That’s what I needed.”
The course gave him valuable hands-on training — wiring circuits, understanding electrical safety, and learning how to follow proper installation procedures. It boosted his confidence and gave him the practical skills that most apprenticeship programs ask for.
But even after completing the course and gaining some experience, the job market remained tough. His applications continued to be passed over in favour of candidates with longer résumés or existing trade experience.
“It’s hard not to feel stuck,” he admitted. “I’m doing everything I can to move forward, but the door just isn’t opening.”
Adding to his frustration, his family believes he is being lazy and not trying hard enough. While they don’t fully understand his struggle, the teen insists he has done everything he can from his end but simply hasn’t been given the opportunities.
Despite the setbacks, the teen isn’t giving up. He’s exploring short-term work experience placements and looking into volunteering opportunities to build his portfolio and increase his chances of getting accepted next time around.
“I still want this,” he said. “Being an electrician is something I can see myself doing for life. I just need one opportunity to prove myself.”