Wisbech apprentice talks about the scheme

This week Cerys, our trainee accountant, has written her experience of doing an

accountancy apprenticeship...

Being an apprentice has plenty of perks and I felt it would be a better option than sixth form and university.

I sit my exams every six to eight weeks, alongside working and spending one day a week studying at college.

I have found it to be easier at college as I can put what I am learning into real life scenarios and earn a wage, which will increase as I become more qualified and knowledgeable.

The current apprentice minimum wage is £4.81 for under 18s and any apprentices in the first year. As you get older the minimum wages increase.

As of April 2022, the national minimum wage amounts are:

18-20 £6.83

21-22 £9.18

23+ £9.50.

Alongside having a wage, you also get all of your qualifications funded so there is a lot of incentive to take this option. Employers may be able to claim a grant for taking on an apprentice to cover some of the education costs.

A company may like to employ an apprentice as they could see it as an opportunity to mould and create an employee to how they desire.

Investing in an apprentice is a great way to do so.

An apprentice can work a minimum of 30 hours per week to ensure they spend enough time at the workplace to gain experience and a maximum of 40 hours per week so that they are not overworked.

My college course is one day a week. I hope to progress up a level every year (if exams are results are achieved) and will slowly work my way up the ladder to be AAT qualified.

I have just completed my Level 2 exams and have progressed to Level 3, which is a far more challenging course.

Once I have completed Level 4, I will be able to get my status as being MAAT qualified. My employer is kept updated by my college course provider and will have regular review meetings with a member of staff from my college.