As an ICAEW Apprentice, your time is split between a working role and time studying for your qualification. Ella Stone started her studies in 2016 and qualified in 2021. To achieve this, Ella had the usual challenge of balancing work and studying whilst maintaining progress by sitting regular exams. However, she also had a global pandemic and a change of jobs to deal with.
During this time, there were periods when exams were not available to be sat, and changing jobs can be unsettling. When exams did restart, students often had to sit exams remotely for the first time. Studying online is also different to a classroom environment and requires different disciplines. Our students have coped really well with these changes and to qualify under these conditions is a great achievement.
We caught up with Ella and found out more about her accountancy apprenticeship, as well as how she coped in the pandemic.
Can you tell us a little about your background and why you chose to study accountancy?
I always liked maths at school and learning about the concept of money. I like being organised and I feel like accountancy is a mix of maths and being organised. Rather than sitting my A-Levels in a variety of subjects, I decided quite early that I wanted to be an Accountant. I decided to do AAT instead of A-Levels.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
To gain better skills for my job and for my future career journey. I liked the idea of gaining an additional qualification (level 7).
Can you tell us a little about what it’s like to study accountancy as an apprentice?
The skills you learn help me day-to-day with speaking to clients, problem-solving, and being organised. I feel the support is very good as there was always help around when I needed it. Being dyslexic, I was allowed extra time and my tutors would always cater for me to make sure I wasn’t rushed with questions and mocks.
What would you say are the main benefits of an apprenticeship for the apprentice?
The additional qualification and having skills days where you learn and gain experience in new areas such as; problem-solving, communication, and team building.
What support did you get from FI Chelmsford and how did you find studying with us?
FI were always available by call or email (especially during covid). They were always quick to respond and dealt with any issues I incurred. Most of my tutors were aware of my dyslexia which made it easier when entering a classroom for the first time as they already knew what extra help I needed.
To find out more about ICAEW programmes click here.
You can visit the ICAEW’s website with this link.
