Jessica Martin - Vertu

My apprenticeship…

My apprenticeship has helped me develop my career massively. When I began my role as Apprentice Accounts Assistant, I only had experience in the field of business admin. I was not aware of anything such as accruals, VAT returns or financial statements. I had the bare minimum knowledge for accounting. My apprenticeship has helped me to understand all the different areas of accounting and the day-to-day workings of an accountant. 18 months later I can confidently say I know my stuff. The knowledge I have gained throughout my apprenticeship has assisted me in understanding the tasks I complete regularly and the affects they have on different areas of accounting. As a result, I am now in the running for a promotion to Assistant Accountant. I would not be in the position I am today without enrolling in my apprenticeship.

I have always thought an apprenticeship was a better way of getting yourself on the career ladder than simply studying. Being an apprentice allows you to find your footing in the working world alongside gaining a qualification. You are also provided with a tutor who helps you throughout your apprenticeship with any problems/queries you may have. My tutor was absolutely amazing throughout my apprenticeship, she always reassured me when I didn’t pass an exam first time and always made sure I was ok in my working/normal life. We took part in regular progress reviews in which I was updated on how I was doing and if there was anything I need to focus on I was told. All in all, I would’ve been lost without Mandy.  

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone within a heartbeat. You are looked after, working, earning and gaining a qualification. You are valued as a normal employee and all the training is complete during your normal working hours. It is a great way to get yourself onto the career ladder. I think that all employers should offer apprenticeships, it allows the working force to be varied in ages which helps with a younger view. Also, it eases young people into the working environment.