Evey-Grace was chosen as our recent Apprentice of the Quarter due to having no experience, or prior knowledge of accounting, before starting the AAT Level 3 apprenticeship.

The development seen on the AAT Level 3 apprenticeship has been excellent. Every-Grace is now mentoring new trainees, despite still being relatively new herself. This success is alongside continuously high exam results and keeping on track with apprenticeship studies.

Here’s what our Apprentice of the Quarter said in the interview:

What are you most proud of from your experience to date?

My biggest achievement to date is achieving my level 3 AAT to a high standard. I have learnt how to adapt what I have learnt into my day-to-day work, improving all jobs I work on in my role. I feel that being able to take learning and adapt it to real life scenarios really helps with the understanding of everything from the classroom.

What made you choose a career in accountancy? Was there anything that triggered your decision?

It wasn’t my first choice, as initially, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I decided on this field as I was looking to further my knowledge through education and be able to gain a well-known qualification. I had always hoped that I would end up having a career in finance, and after some research found that an accounting qualification really can take you anywhere in the future.

How did you approach your studies and what resources/support that FI offer did you find most useful?

I have always completed everything asked of me by the tutors and listened to all advice that they gave. I ensured that I completed all checkpoints, practice questions and AAT mocks, as well as had calls with tutors to cement learning on areas that I was not so confident in.

Do you have any study tips for other apprentices about to start their studies as the Apprentice of the Quarter?

I would always revise 4-5 nights a week for an hour or two at a time, with up to an hour at the weekends, as you also need to value your own time and prioritise rest. Ensure you write plenty of notes to refer back to and ensure you book your exam. Don’t pressure yourself, and if you’re not ready to sit your exam, then push it back a few weeks until you feel more confident.

How do you manage juggling work & study?

Little and often is a good way I found to approach study, keep to a schedule so that you can still do some things that you enjoy in your free time. After each course day I would run through each chapter, ensuring I made as many notes as possible, so I was ready for the next session.

How have you been supported by your company and colleagues throughout your apprenticeship so far?

I like to be left to my own devices when studying so appreciated the hands-off approach when needed, but my employer was always available if I needed anything from them. They would always check in to make sure everything was going well.

How has this contributed to both your success with both your qualifications and adding value to your employer?

I feel for me, that it was not a pressured environment and that helped me to do my best and succeed in my apprenticeship. This in turn, helped me to become much more confident in my own work. I feel I have added value at work by enhancing my knowledge through study and passing all of my exams. I can now spend less time asking for help in the workplace and more time on my own work and helped me to understand how to better assist new trainees.

What are your goals/plans for when you finish your current apprenticeship?

I am hoping to move on to level 4 AAT next year, and ideally would also like to complete my level 7 and move on to the ACCA qualification.

Why would you recommend the apprenticeship route for others?

It is so helpful being able to learn content and then apply it to a job in a workplace scenario. It is much more rewarding that just being in education, as it makes it so much quicker to learn and apply knowledge. I feel that an apprenticeship is invaluable as it also helps to enhance soft skills through the skill days such as teamworking and communication that you may not otherwise receive.

Want to know more about our Apprentice of the Quarter award across the FI Network? Take a look at our article ‘First Intuition launches Apprentice of the Quarter Award!’.

Want to know more about our apprenticeship programmes at First Intuition? Take a look at our helpful apprenticeship page.