Tyresse’s Story: Choosing a Different Path and Finding Confidence
Growing up, Tyresse always looked up to his grandmother, a nurse, who showed him what was possible through education and hard work. Having spent time living with her as a child, she became a key role model in his life.
“I didn’t have inspiration around me, but she was really educated and had a great job.”
At school, Tyresse realised he needed to make a decision about the direction he wanted his life to take. Many people around him were making quick money in ways he knew he didn’t want to follow. Instead, he became interested in apprenticeships after meeting an older student at college who seemed to have found the perfect balance of work and lifestyle.
“She was always going on holiday. I wanted that lifestyle too!”
Rethinking University and Finding a New Route
Despite being encouraged by his school to apply for university, Tyresse never felt confident it was the right path for him. When he unexpectedly secured a place at a Russell Group university, he felt pressure to accept, even though he worried about debt and job prospects.
“When I was in college, I didn’t like the concept of going to uni. People struggle to find jobs after and go into debt. I didn’t want to put myself through that.”
While at university, Tyresse struggled with his mental health and felt he didn’t belong. At this turning point, a friend introduced him to LTSB and the possibility of an apprenticeship.
“I was also confident because my friend got an actual apprenticeship with LTSB, so I thought I’d give it a go.”
A Transformation in Confidence
When Tyresse started the LTSB bootcamp, he was quiet and unsure of himself. Speaking up and trusting new people felt difficult at first.
“I started a shy and introverted person with small expectation of what to come from the programme. It’s hard for me to open up and trust someone I’ve never met before.”
Over time, the opportunities and encouragement from the LTSB team helped him push himself further.
“As time went on, Catherine was messaging the group chat about opportunities. I decided to just go for it and watched myself almost metamorphose into a confident, outspoken and friendly person.”
A Last-Minute Opportunity That Changed Everything
The day before his interview for a Marketing Apprenticeship with the Post Office, Tyresse attended an LTSB networking event feeling nervous about the challenge ahead. There, he was introduced to a marketing director who offered last-minute mentoring and interview practice.
“I don’t think I would have got the job without him. If I hadn’t said yes, I would never have got the opportunity.”
Soon after, Tyresse received the news that he had secured the role.
Adjusting to the Workplace
In the early months of his apprenticeship, Tyresse continued to work through social anxiety and found it challenging to speak up in meetings and attend the office regularly. With support from his line manager and LTSB, he was able to find a routine that worked for him.
“We agreed to establish which days I’d come into the office, and they reassured me that they’d hired me for a reason, that I was very intelligent. It was refreshing that Catherine was able to help my line manager understand me.”
With this support, Tyresse grew more comfortable and confident in his role.
Looking Ahead
Now thriving in his apprenticeship, Tyresse is working on marketing strategies to engage students and young people and is excited about learning different areas of the business. He hopes to start his own business in the future.
“It’s been so much easier to navigate a lifestyle which I want for myself. Having a fixed income and a contract is rare for us, so having this is really helpful.”
Reflecting on his journey, Tyresse feels proud of how far he has come and what his success represents.
“My mindset before was that a young black person couldn’t work in big-name brands. It made me feel like anything is actually possible. People should not have a limit on that.”
