When Zain Iqbal walked through the doors of Stockton Sixth Form College in 2021, he freely admits he had no clear idea about his future career path. Two years later, he graduated with a sense of purpose and direction that has led him to an exciting Degree Apprenticeship with BAM Construction, one of the UK’s leading construction companies.
Now in his second year as an apprentice quantity surveyor, Zain is working on a project that perfectly connects his personal journey with local heritage. He’s currently part of the team upgrading Darlington railway station as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the world’s first passenger railway between Stockton and Darlington.
Finding Direction Through Outstanding Support
Reflecting on his college experience, Zain credits the personalised attention he received at Stockton Sixth Form College as the foundation of his success. “It was a small college, very local to me, and from the first day I met the teachers, they were interactive and I felt like I’d get the best support,” he explains.
His academic journey included A-level Mathematics with Michelle, B.Tech Engineering with Andy, and Business with Martin. Despite initially struggling with mathematics, Zain found that Michelle’s patient guidance both inside and outside the classroom helped him develop confidence in the subject. “She was always asking if I needed help and guided me through my maths journey,” he recalls.
The turning point in Zain‘s career direction came through the college’s exceptional careers guidance. Lauren, the careers advisor, recognised his potential and arranged a work experience placement with BAM Construction during his first year. This opportunity proved transformative, allowing him to explore a construction site and learn about the various roles within civil engineering.
From Work Experience to Career Success
The work experience placement sparked Zain‘s interest in construction and civil engineering. Throughout his second year, Lauren continued to provide guidance, helping him navigate UCAS applications while exploring alternative pathways. When it became clear that an apprenticeship might be the perfect route for him, Lauren was instrumental in making it happen.
“It was near enough the last week before BAM’s apprenticeship course closed when Lauren said ‘apply, apply, apply’,” Zainremembers. “We sat down and applied together, and she helped me write all my questions and describe my experience. That’s how I got the job.”
The apprenticeship programme has exceeded Zain‘s expectations. After completing three months of college-based learning at Leeds College of Building, where BAM covered all accommodation and travel costs, he joined the Darlington station upgrade project in November 2023.
Building the Future While Honouring the Past
The project Zain is working on holds special significance, representing both cutting-edge engineering and historical importance. The upgrade includes two new platforms, a modern footbridge, and the “Eastern Gateway” building, designed to celebrate 200 years since the first railway journey between Darlington and Stockton.
“The historic building of Darlington station and the opening of this project marks the 200th anniversary of the first train going from Darlington to Stockton,” Zain explains. “We’re connecting historic engineering with modern engineering through aesthetically pleasing design. The footbridge is designed to look like the new LNER trains, highlighting how far we’ve come.”
BAM Construction’s global reach has opened up incredible opportunities for Zain. The company works on major projects including HS2, Hinkley Point, and even has operations in Antarctica, where employees work six-month rotations at scientific research facilities.
Advice for Current Students
For students currently facing similar uncertainty about their future, Zain offers practical advice drawn from his own experience. He suggests creating a list of personal strengths, interests, and dislikes to help identify suitable career paths. His approach of combining numerical skills with people skills led him to quantity surveying, while his desire for variety steered him away from traditional office-based roles.
“Every day is different in construction,” he says. “I don’t like sitting in an office for years doing the same thing. Construction offers constant change and new challenges.”
He also emphasises the value of work experience and speaking directly with professionals in fields of interest. “Try to find work experience that could be your local mechanic shop if you want to become a mechanic, or contact local firms through college. Spend two days speaking to people who actually do the day-to-day work to understand what it’s like.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Now in his second year of the apprenticeship, Zain is completing his EPA gateway and preparing to start his degree in September. Looking ahead, he plans to work towards chartered status, building on the solid foundation provided by Stockton Sixth Form College.
His success story demonstrates the transformative power of personalised education and career guidance. From a student who “didn’t have a clue” about his future, Zain has become a confident professional working on projects of national significance.
“I look back and think, two years ago I had no idea what I wanted to do. Two years later, I’m in a position where this is exactly what I want to do,” he reflects. “Thanks to Stockton Sixth Form College and the teachers who gave me the biggest push to get where I am today.”
Zain‘s journey from uncertainty to success exemplifies how Stockton Sixth Form College’s supportive environment, expert guidance, and strong industry connections can transform students’ lives and launch them into fulfilling careers that connect our industrial heritage with the engineering innovations of tomorrow.