Congratulations on being chosen for First Intuition East Anglia Apprentice of the Quarter Award. How does it feel to be recognised as our Apprentice of the Quarter (Cambridgeshire) ?

Thanks! I was a bit surprised, but it honestly feels great! I’ve been putting in a lot of effort to balance work and studying, so it’s really nice to see that being recognised. It’s given me a real confidence boost and motivates me to keep pushing myself.

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

I didn’t always know I wanted to go into accountancy. Studying Business and Economics at A level first got me interested in finance, and I realised there were so many opportunities in that area. Accountancy stood out because it gives you an insight into how businesses actually work, and I liked the idea of always being able to learn and develop. Starting out as a trainee has been great because I’ve had the chance to get involved in different areas like accounts, tax, audit and assurance, while also studying towards my AAT.

How did you approach your studies and what resources/support that FI offer did you find most useful? Do you have any study tips for other apprentices about to start their studies?

I try to stay organised and keep on top of my studies rather than leaving everything to the last minute (although I’ve had those moments too!). I like to make summarised flashcards for each chapter as we go through them in college, then use them for revision. The FI and AAT online resources, especially the practice questions, have been the most useful, and the tutors are always there if you need extra support. My biggest tip would be to study little and often, and try to link what you’re learning to your actual work, because it’s so much easier to remember when you’ve seen it in practice.

How do you manage juggling work & study?

It can be tough, but planning makes a big difference. I try to use evenings or weekends for revision. At work, I keep a weekly/daily checklist and use trackers to make sure I’m on top of deadlines, so I’m not stressed about both studying and work at the same time.

How have you been supported by your company and colleagues throughout your apprenticeship so far? How has this contributed to both your success with both your qualification and also adding value to your workplace?

Work has been really supportive. They check in on how I’m doing and make sure I’m not getting too stressed, which really helps. My colleagues are great as well. They’re always happy to explain things, and those who’ve done AAT before even help me with tricky exam questions. Having that kind of support has made me more confident, and it’s encouraged me to get involved in different departments, which means I’m learning a lot while also contributing to the team.

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

I’m keen to carry on with accountancy and work towards higher-level qualifications such as ACA/ACCA. I’d like to take on more responsibility and eventually specialise in an area I’ve really enjoyed so far, whether that’s accounts, audit, or tax. In the long run, my goal is to become fully qualified and build a clear area of expertise.

Why would you recommend the apprenticeship route for others? 

I’d definitely recommend it because you get to learn and earn at the same time. You’re not just studying from a book, you actually see how it works in real life, which makes it so much more interesting. Plus, FI gives you a lot of support with coaches and tutors, so you never feel like you’re on your own.

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