Toni-Ann

I’m currently doing a Level 2 Finance and Accounting course and from January 2023 I will be completing my Level 3. 

1. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
   I chose to do the finance and accounting apprenticeship as I’ve worked since a young age but also wanted to gain a qualification in something I was passionate about. I knew that university was not the route for me but I wanted to continue learning. I always have the option of going to university as I achieved good A-Levels but now that I’m aware of options such as degree apprenticeships I do not plan on taking the traditional route. 

   I personally find more value in the structure of apprenticeships as I’m able to have the best of both worlds due to working 4 days a week and spending 1 day a week at college. The combination of both I believe gives me the best experience within my job role as I can apply what I’ve learnt at college to my working day and vice versa. 

   The company also formed part of the reason I chose to do this apprenticeship as they have such a great reputation for training and development so I was confident that I would be getting the best support throughout my apprenticeship. 
    

2. What qualifications did you have before applying for your Apprenticeship course?
   I have 9 A-C GCSE’s and A-Levels in Sociology, Business and English Literature and Language.
    

3. How did you find out about your Apprenticeship?
   I set up an alert on the GOV.UK website and just tracked what was available making sure the job suited what I was looking in regard to the employer, location, hours, salary and hybrid working.
    

4. What have you gained from your Apprenticeship – skills, experience etc.?
   I’ve gained a lot of skills such as written communication, time management and problem solving. I will be rotating around the finance department over the next 3 years of my apprenticeship so will leave with experience within purchasing, projects, payroll and management accounting. Currently, I have experience processing invoices, liaising with colleagues/suppliers to resolve problem invoices, running invoice reports and filing and cross referencing time sheets submitted for projects.
    

5. What has been your proudest moment so far from doing your Apprenticeship?
   My proudest moment would be co-managing the Apprentice Networking Group with Max. It’s a completely new experience for us both and I’m really excited to see how our ideas for the group come to life over the next year or so. 
    

6. What are you doing now? Any future plans? 
   I’m currently doing my Level 2 and looking forward to starting my Level 3 in January 2023. I hope to progress further within my studies and career at the University. I feel really blessed to work for such a great employer.
    

7. How will your Apprenticeship helped you to achieve this?
   My apprenticeship will help me achieve this as I’m confident that I will be able to continue beyond Level 3 and the university will support me with this. 
    

8. What advice would you give someone who might be thinking about Apprenticeship-based training to progress their career?
   I would say to take the leap. I was really scared to leave my job at Barclays after being there for 4 years. I became quite comfortable within my job but the pandemic made me realise that life is too short to remain comfortable. I wanted more of a challenge so pushed myself to look for a new role and apply. I kept thinking what if I regret this, what if it’s too difficult, but it’s definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zones at times. I’m really happy with my decision and sad almost that I didn’t decide to do an apprenticeship sooner as it’s such a great and rewarding experience. The support I have from my colleagues and the college with my apprenticeship is amazing. I’m a huge advocate for apprenticeships as I really do think it’s the best of both worlds with on-the-job training whilst also being able to gain the experience. 
    

9. What advice would you give a manager who is considering Apprenticeship-based training for their employee?
   Apprenticeships are definitely the future. It’s a win win situation if the right person is selected. They’re able to gain experience and a qualification and you’ve also gained a valuable member of staff who knows you see value in them by investing your time and money into their development. I would advise make sure you have the time to commit to managing the apprentice, understanding their course and the requirement in order to help,  support and guide them throughout their apprenticeship. I think regular meetings with your employee are crucial also so that you are able to track their progress and offer support as and when they need this also.

I’m a huge advocate for apprenticeships as I really do think it’s the best of both worlds with on-the-job training whilst also being able to gain the experience.