Accountancy Apprentice Case Study

Q1 What first interested you in an Level 3 AAT Apprenticeship?

“Once I decided I wanted to go into finance, I was already mostly through my degree. I found it very hard to get into a finance role, as even entry level ones that were not apprenticeships wanted experience that I didn’t have. I ended up getting a placement where I showed I was capable of working in finance and was offered a permanent role. While I have been gradually increasing my responsibilities, I wanted to progress faster and with our company being acquired there has been an opportunity for me to learn more and gain experience with senior financial staff.”

Q2 How did you find out about EMA Training?

“Our company has worked with EMA Training, they have a World of Work section on launchyourcareer.com. ”

Q3 What led you to choose the Level 3 Assistant Accountant course?

“It is the highest next qualification in Accounting that makes sense, I would then like to follow on to Level 4 to continue my progression within the finance industry.”

Q4 How have your role responsibilities progress during your apprenticeship? 

“I have only just started my apprenticeship but I plan to take on full-time payroll, cashflow forecasting, assisting with VAT returns amongst other things as well as more independent tasks.”

Q5 How have your technical skills develop over the course of your apprenticeship?

“We currently use Xero and I feel I am quite sufficient in using this software now as it is quite user-friendly. We are, however, switching to Sage in the coming months which I have no real experience of as yet so I will need to get used to that software with the help of other members of staff.”

Q6 How did you find out about apprenticeships?

“I have known of apprenticeships since I was at school but they weren’t seen as favourably as they are now. I went down the university route and while I don’t regret that because I am proud of having my degree and it is something I will have forever, I think if I were to be leaving school again I would have gone down the apprenticeship route.”

Q7 What was your experience like starting an apprenticeship during full-time employment?

I have only just started my apprenticeship but I like having both, I get to earn a salary whilst upskilling myself. Having already worked at the company for a year and a half it means I am very comfortable here particularly with the staff so feel happy to ask them for help and advice.

Q8 What advice would you give to someone finishing their university degree or still studying, considering an apprenticeship?

“I think it is a great option, whilst you learn lots doing a university degree, most of that is knowledge rather than experience. Both of these are needed in a job and both are what employers are usually looking for. Also, quite often people will do a degree but may have not known at the time what field they wanted to go into. They may then know what field they want to explore after university and their degree may not directly apply so an apprenticeship can help them get into other fields.”

Q9 How has your apprenticeship impacted you on a personal level?

“I feel more comfortable having specific time carved out in the week to do my studies. Trying to do full time work, have a life and study in your own time is hard and draining. I also feel happier as I feel I have a clear route for the next year.”

Q10 What has been your greatest achievement so far?

“As I have only recently started my apprenticeship, I don’t have one related to this yet, so outside of this would be my degree. I think studying and gaining qualifications is always a good thing and you can always know more and improve yourself. Once you have worked hard and gained a qualification, no one can take that away from you.”

If you’re interested in an Accountancy apprenticeship or finding out more about apprenticeships in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Email [email protected]
Call 01332 371666

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