Apprenticeship instead of grammar school: «I've never regretted the decision»

My school days went smoothly. The material was easy, the grades were good and the moments I spent behind the books were rare. So, at the end of my first secondary school, the question arose as to whether I wanted to go to grammar school. Some teachers thought that I might be underchallenged at vocational school and recommended that I take the entrance exam. On the one hand, I liked the idea of taking on the challenge, but on the other, I knew that I wasn't the type of person who wanted to stay at school until I was 18.

My parents said: do what you think is good, but do it properly. I didn't have to think about it for long: I wanted to learn a trade, but had no idea which one. I didn't want to work in an office, that much was clear - it was too abstract for me. At the end of my first secondary school year, I started the first of a total of nine taster apprenticeships.

I still like my job today. I like working outside, creating something.

I tried my hand as a cook, a carpenter, a veterinary practice assistant and then as a gardener specialising in horticulture. We often worked on building sites, which didn't appeal to me as much. However, the second taster apprenticeship as a gardener, this time specialising in ornamental plants, really impressed me - my choice was made.

Vocational baccalaureate after the apprenticeship

I still like my job today. I like working outside, creating something. It's great to be able to see with your own eyes what you've achieved. I'll be finishing my apprenticeship next year. After that, I'll be attending the vocational baccalaureate school full-time for a year. The end is more foreseeable than four years of secondary school.

I can imagine studying landscape architecture later, but for now I want to see how I do at BMS - I've never learnt how to study properly. But I'm optimistic. I've never regretted my decision not to go to grammar school.