Wickford man selected as the face of government campaign
Jeremie Agbeme, 22, fronts the new Skills for Life campaign
A 22-year-old from Wickford has been selected from hundreds nationwide to front the Government's Skills For Life campaign.
Jeremie Agbeme is now one of the national faces encouraging people to consider skilled training routes, including apprenticeships.
Inspired by his dad, a plumber and gas engineer, Jeremie completed his degree apprenticeship while contributing to major construction and infrastructure projects across the eastern region.
He said it feels "surreal" to be included in the campaign, and said many of his friends from across the UK have spotted him on High Streets and bus stops.
He shared that he has worked on "exciting" projects during his time as an apprentice.
Jeremie said there are benefits to apprenticeships:
"Within the degree apprenticeship itself there were so many amazing people that I've met and had the opportunity to work with.
"But that network has also led to the fact that I've been able to have opportunities to be ona billboard for a national campaign.
"If I went down the uni route, I probably wouldn't have gone travelling as much as I have done. I love going to new places.
"I've been fortunate enough to see both sides doing the degree apprenticeship - the theory being taught in lectures and classes.
"But it is completely different to what you're doing in real time project work. Certain aspects, certain theories do come across, but there's some skills that only really get built when you're on the job."
Jeremie speaks at his former Sixth Form about the decision between university and apprenticeships.
"I don't think everyone's route is going to be the same and that's absolutely fine.
"At least get to know the information, like as long as you know, then you can actually make an informed decision, and that starts by doing your research."
Search Skills for Life to find more information on T Levels and the different technical pathways available.