Name: Chloe Williams
Year Started (Apprenticeship): September 2018
Current Position: Senior Accountancy Assistant – Currently in my second year of the Accountancy Apprenticeship.
What did you do before starting the apprenticeship?
I went to the University of Leeds, I spent 8 months there before realising University wasn’t for me, I would attend a seminar but when I come home, I was not able to apply it to anything I was doing. I came home and found a job as an administration assistant and in a local restaurant. I didn’t want to give up my learning and be stuck in one job so when the Accountancy apprenticeship came out I jumped at the chance to apply to it.
Why did you apply for the scheme?
I liked the idea of learning and working at the same time, gaining qualifications while gaining real knowledge inside the working environment and getting paid for it to.
What development have you had since being with RCT?
I started in September 2018, since then I have gained a distinction in AAT Level 2 and I’m working towards AAT Level 3 this year. Although my apprenticeship hasn’t yet finished, I was successful in gaining an Accountancy Assistant role and have recently been seconded to Senior Accountancy Assistant. I have developed a lot in confidence, I have made new friendships and have learned a lot of valuable things while studying and working for RCT.
What were the highlights?
My highlights have been completing my first year at distinction level and having my work recognised, I feel RCT really does value their workers and what they do. When I have showed willing and more knowledge I have been trusted with more responsibilities.
Recommendations to Applicants:
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone I know, especially with RCT Council.
For the past year I have gained knowledge, friendships and confidence. I also have a 3 year old daughter, at first before applying she was just gone 1 and I thought I would never be able to juggle all of this work but surprisingly it was fine. You make time for things, such as revising and learning and RCT helps you as much as they can with study leave and flexible working hours. I would definitely say if you have children do not let that put you off an apprenticeship. With an apprenticeship you have more to show at the end, the experience and the qualifications that employers like to see.
Applying for this apprenticeship is one of the best choices I have ever made.