Learning on the job opens up endless opportunities for apprentices

Accountancy apprentice Amelia Rowland describes the huge benefits of studying for AAT while on an apprenticeship scheme.

“It is astounding how far I have come already in my career thanks to the opportunity of an apprenticeship scheme which enables me to study and learn on the job,” says Amelia Rowland, Associate – Accounts and Business Services at Azets.

At only 20 years old, Amelia has MAAT status, having qualified in January 2023, and already has two years of practice experience in preparation of statutory financial accounts and corporation tax returns. She is currently studying the joint pathway ACA CTA qualification.

“Taking the apprenticeship pathway is an investment in yourself and an investment in you from the firm you are working for,” she says. “I have learnt so much from studying and being able to apply what I have learned to my work.”

Having finished her AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting (Level 4), she is being supported by Azets to begin the five-year ACA CTA study route.

Apprenticeship or University? The accountancy career options

When Amelia was in sixth form, she decided that she wanted to explore options to work and study for a professional accountancy qualification via an apprenticeship scheme rather than going to university.

While studying A level Maths, Chemistry and Biology at Invicta Grammar School for Girls in Maidstone, Kent, she researched the schemes available from some of the biggest accountancy firms in the country, attracted by the opportunity to earn money while studying for an internationally recognised qualification in the form of AAT. After undergoing a series of assessments and interviews, she achieved a place on the apprenticeship scheme and joined Azets as a school leaver in 2020.

“I was looking for a career that was not just deskbound. I wanted to be able to interact with clients and make a big difference to them in their business. I was also interested in tax and corporate reporting, and I knew that having an internationally recognised accountancy qualification meant that there were big opportunities in the Kent region, where I lived, and London, as well as potential opportunities to work abroad.”

Amelia was part of the A-level cohort of students who were unable to sit their A levels due to the Covid-19 lockdown. “I was unable to sit my exams, but Azets were looking not just at grades but at whether you were a rounded person,” she says. She had done work experience with Wilkins Kennedy, which rebranded as Azets in 2020, and she had attended an accountancy summer school to have a taste of what a career in finance might be involved.

“As part of the application process, there were a lot of personality-based questions. It can be quite a long process and involves sending off your CV and cover letters and attending assessment days. A lot of the questions are about your extracurricular activities, and I was able to talk about achieving my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards, which required extended periods of volunteering in the community. I could also demonstrate the skills I had acquired via work experience, such as perseverance, communication and teamwork, all of which are essential when you are an accountant.

The benefits of the apprenticeship route

She now works in a team preparing statutory accounts and corporate tax returns, ensuring clients are tax compliant and working with a varied client base using a range of accountancy software to deliver those services. Azets is a large national firm which branches around the country and provides payroll, HR and tax services to clients and aims to be a trusted adviser for businesses.

“Accountancy is a job that I could take anywhere in the world,” she explains. “I could travel around because my qualification would be internationally recognised.”

The apprenticeship route appealed because it gave her the opportunity to study and apply her knowledge in a working environment and get a professional qualification. “I was able to gain experience from my employer and also earn while I was studying, as well as benefit from mentorship from the firm,” she says. “It was a great opportunity to see progress in my career.”

Amelia joined Azets during the Covid-19 lockdown when many of her friends were wondering whether to go to university. The onboarding process, while having to be done virtually, was still thorough and effective, she says.

The benefits of an AAT qualification

“AAT has been a great foundation, and I studied Level 3 and 4 AAT on a combined two-year course,” Amelia says. “It has been perfect for what I needed at work, and I was able to apply that while I studied and have solid work experience.

“There’s a huge advantage in being part of a team where I am supported and mentored. Now two and a half years later, I feel very lucky to be part of this team. I’ve got great support and mentorship, and I have an internationally recognised qualification that sets me apart from others.”

Depending on the course module, study leave can be blocks of weeks or weeks. Amelia also gets time to study and take exams as part of the apprenticeship package.

Amelia’s advice to apprentices and students

1. Do your research: Attend events, career fairs, local training providers and work opportunities in Sixth Form. I attended a summer school at First Intuition, which was aimed at students who wanted to find out more about accountancy.
2. Be open-minded: Some schools are still firmly focused on the university route, so you may need to be proactive yourself. The opportunities for apprenticeships are endless.
3. Apply early: Application deadlines are in the autumn of your final year of school, and you will have to juggle research and school work.
4. Be clear about what assessments are required: Each firm has a different process, and with tests and assessments, it can be quite a long process.
5. Use LinkedIn: Companies often advertise in-house recruitment there, and you can search for tips on being successful in your application.
6. Be persistent: You may need to make multiple applications to firms because the five apprenticeship route can be incredibly competitive.
7. Use the information available: Use websites where there is information about training providers, current vacancies, interview questions and application tips, including the AAT website.
8. Think about your wider experience: What extracurricular activities did you do? I played sport for the school, and I danced for quite a long time out of school. Use any personal development programmes on offer at school. I achieved my certificate in Management from CIMA, which set me apart from other students. There may be leadership opportunities at school which can develop your communication and collaboration skills.

“The apprenticeship scheme has really helped me progress,” she says. “It is astounding how far I’ve come in terms of skills and knowledge. I have been learning on the job, earning a salary, studying for an international qualification and gained a solid understanding of work experience. I would really recommend the apprenticeship route in accountancy.”

Further reading:

• Apprenticeships: your top questions answered
• Top tips for succeeding as an apprentice
• 7 misconceptions about accountancy apprenticeships

Marianne Curphey is an award-winning financial writer and columnist, and author of the book How Money Works. She worked as City Editor at The Guardian, deputy editor of Guardian online, and has worked for The Times, Telegraph and BBC.