Finance Apprentice Review

My role is as a retail analyst, I help to manage the cost base for the TUI retail stores across the UK and Northern Ireland. This involves forecasting costs, managing the retail statement of profit or loss, reporting retail performance. I also track online marketing costs of the business.

I have developed analysis skills in this role, analysing variances in performance and reporting the factors causing this. I have also developed my public speaking, I lead meetings with stakeholders which has helped me to become more confident speaking in front of a group.

I am very much enjoying my programme, it has given me lots of opportunity to learn about different sectors of the business and get involved in interesting projects. I have received lots of support from my manager and team to feel comfortable and reassured in my role.

The programme is very well structured, I complete a 18 month placement in commercial finance then will move to accounting and will rotate around this area every 6 months. Communication of the structure of the apprenticeship has been clear and well communicated.

I receive lots of support from my employer, I have weekly catch ups with my line manager and bi-weekly catch ups with the head of my team. I also have catchups every few months with the lead of the finance apprenticeship programme to check on my wellbeing and progress.

I receive good support from my training provider, my course tutor has been proactive to help me with my learning and check in regularly of my understanding of course material. I also have meetings every 3 months with my skills coach to check in on my progress, they have been good at answering my questions.

My qualification has helped me to understand the core accounting principles that underline most work in finance. Prior to my apprenticeship I had no knowledge of finance so this has helped me understand how basic processes work and why processes are completed in a certain way. My qualification has also helped me to understand the financial terminology used in my role.

There are team socials to get involved in every month, this can vary from a dinner to attending activities. There are also social groups such as a football team and running group to get involved in. There are also study group meet ups for finance apprentices and graduates to meet and discuss study tips.

Yes

TUI is a great place to work, the culture is very welcoming and friendly. Everyone is happy to speak to you and answer questions. There is a good focus on work life balance, you are encouraged to take holidays and support your wellbeing. There is also a focus on development and growth which I enjoy at TUI, you are encouraged to develop your skills and learn about other business areas.

I would advise to learn as much about TUI as a business as possible. There is a big focus on culture and TUI spirit, understanding the core values and mission is important to show you are invested and care. Understanding the different components that make up TUI group is also helpful to understand how the business operates.