How apprenticeships shape future of staff and employers
BUSINESSMAN Nick Brook, owner of TaxAssist Accountants Huddersfield, has been supporting accountancy apprentices since he set up his business in 2006.
Recognising the value of being able to learn on the job, get paid and acquire a fully qualified career at the end of it, has helped him shape the career of five apprentices, as well as four University of Huddersfield placement students, many of which are now professionally qualified accountants.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week this week, Nick is urging other small business owners to take advantage of the scheme and benefit from fresh thinking, motivated and dedicated young people that are keen to learn and secure a solid career. Nick said: “Apprentices play a big part in my business. I’ve taken on five since I first set up my business and will continue to do so. Employing apprentices is invaluable for any business. Not only is it a cost-effective form of employment, but you get to share your skillset and knowledge to help shape the career of the apprentice, who more often than not, can become a permanent member of your team.
“Many of my previous apprentices, who worked for me for a number of years, have gone on to become Chartered and now work for big accountancy firms.”
Apprentice Ceara Stephenson joined TaxAssist Accountants Huddersfield in September 2017. She has just completed her AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Level 3) and will be going on to do the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting in April 19. Her future ambitions are to achieve Level 4 then progress to become Chartered.
Ceara said: “During my AS Levels I decided I didn’t want to carry on because I knew I wanted to be an accountant and the only way to get that was to do an AAT qualification. I looked into different ways of doing this but going through an apprenticeship seemed the most beneficial way to do it.
“Doing an apprenticeship meant I was learning on the job as well as a day release at college. I was earning while I was learning!”
Emily Cyrus has been an apprentice for Nick since July 2018. Completing A levels in Physics, Chemistry and Maths at Greenhead College she wanted to find a career where she could apply Maths to the real world. She is currently studying for her AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Level 2).
Emily said: “I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted the opportunity to learn something new and build a profile in employment.
“On a day-to-day basis, I get to do tax returns, payroll, as well as general administration, such as reminders, confirmation statements and answering the phone, which are all helping to boost my confidence. I love the people I work with and hope to work my way up to become a fully qualified accountant.”