Accessing accountancy through apprenticeships
Last week marked National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across the country today. Apprenticeships are one of the many ways […]
Last week marked National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across the country today.
Apprenticeships are one of the many ways companies can increase accessibility into their profession or industry, especially for those who might not normally see it is an option for them. They can help a business to grow and diversify the talent they recruit, and support a culture that values innovation at all levels of the company.
In professional services, there has been a rising demand for STEM skills in response to changing client needs, with traditional roles such as audit and tax, now being complemented by cyber security and data analysis. Apprenticeships can enable a business to develop its data and digital skills and expertise to help future proof its workforce.
As well as broadening skillsets, apprenticeships can also help to sustain an organisation’s workforce. Talent nurtured and developed within a business is generally more likely to stay, as individuals will often have plenty of different opportunities to progress their skills and hence their careers.
What it’s like being an apprentice
When you’re at school, university can sometimes feel like the only path you should be following, but that’s starting to change. Now you can undertake paid work whilst working towards an Accountancy qualification at the same time.
Depending on where you choose to work, you’ll get to meet many diverse people with different backgrounds and experiences and build contacts and develop relationships both internally and externally. Early on you may also find yourself involved in significant projects and gaining new skills and experience in business that will make you the envy of all your friends!
And once you’ve completed a few of your exams, you’ll be in a position where you can proactively progress your career and shape where you want to be and what you want to achieve in the years to come.
For those that stick with the programme to the end, you might expect to work with FTSE companies, and develop your knowledge and understanding of specific areas of business, such as restructuring businesses, audit or taxation. You may well move from internally focussed work to being involved in important client projects, while receiving the support to help manage a team, all the while building your confidence and pushing you out of your comfort zone.
The industry is changing all the time and an apprenticeship can really prepare you for this. A well-structured programme encourages you to learn to adapt quickly to changing project requirements and demands, and also helps develop your problem solving and analytical skills. You have exposure to clients, senior management and interesting projects. The learning curve can be steep, but you’re engaged and motivated by the diversity of work you can get involved with.
Along the way, the exams you sit are challenging but if you put the time and effort into them, you will succeed. And with Reed Business School, you’ll also have a great support network around you of peers and tutors who are always available as a helping hand.
Give us a call or drop us a message if you’d like to know more about how an apprenticeship can work for you.
