Finance Apprentice Review

Doing various placements during my apprenticeship means my day-to-day role can be quite varied depending on the placement. At the moment I am responsbiel for various daily reporting on patronage figures, working out the revenue figures and reporting these to execs. I am also involved with SAP related queries, period end tasks and forecasting.

I have definitely learnt new skills. I have been exposed to a software called SAP, which is used for financial accounting across TfL. I have learned this through my colleagues and have also been on various SAP related courses. I have also learned to develop skills in Microsoft Excel, as well as developing my soft skills such as presenting, leadership and confidence in speaking.

I haved enjoyed my programme a massive deal. Working in different placements has given me exposure to various teams which has helped learn various skills across TfL as well as enhanced networking opportunities. The programme has gone above and beyond my expectations as the work I am doing is challenging and I feel I am continuously learning.

I believe the longer I have been at the company, the more valued I have become because as time passes I feel more established and people within the company understand what I am capable of. It was difficult at first because I believe apprentices may be looked at as 'Kids without a degree', but once you break out of that shell I feel there is more respect given.

I believe the programme has been very well strucutred. There has been a good variety of placements helping to aid my knowledge in finance. However, I feel from an exam point of view (finance apprentices are also studying for CiMA) - we could have maybe sat more exams throughout the scheme, so in that sense it may have been a little bit slow.

When the scheme first started I feel the training provider made a few silly mistakes ie. saying they will enroll us onto an exam, and then forgetting to do so. Also, initially our training provider was extremely slow in giving feedback with coursework taking up to 5-7 weeks. However, with that being said, our training provider tutor has changed and there has been a very commendable change too. Feedback is thoroughly and given back to us within a more suitable time frame, as well as always giving us time to ask questions and gain help if needed.

I belive the support from my employer has been second to none. TfL have put a great empahsis on developing young talent and I feel extremely pleased to have joined a company which has given me such a fantastic opportunity. The placement managers I have had have been exceptional, as well as the scheme sponsor, mental and HR team. I have no complaints.

I have also said from the start of the scheme my biggest motivator during this apprenticeship is to gain as many skills and as much experience as possible from the off-set. The fact I get paid is a bonus. The alternative from the scheme would have been to go to university - which you don't get paid to do. With that being said, as the scheme has gone on more and more, I have felt that the salary I recieve doesn't reflect the effort and technical ability I portray, however - I am patient and no this will come in time.

To be honest, there is quite a lack of opportunities in my local area of Ilford. There are few leisure/sport clubs, little chances to volunteer at places. However, with that being said I do try my best to attend various comapny events volunteering on strikes day/event days to help keep London moving.

Yes

They are a company which strive to support their employees through development and education. They give super benenfits to staff and value you as a worker - ensuring employees have a good work life balance.

Transport for London is a fantastic company and there's no secret about that. When applying, be sure to sell yourself because they are in a great position to pick only the best - so ensure on the day you are the best!