Project Accounts Assistant Review

My day to day role a number of aspects related to accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit control functions. Month end is also a big part of my day to work life and includes the completion of monthly management accounts. I work closely alongside the current project accountant for the majority of my work.

As I have progressed through each level of my course I have been able to develop all basic skills which has enabled me to form a much deeper understanding of how the accounting function works. This has helped greatly as the subjects I have been taught at college have been added on to my roles and responsibilities as I have progressed, which has helped me put the theory into practice.

Thoroughly enjoyed my programme. Costain were there to help and guide whenever assistant was needed. I enjoyed moving on to each level, as I progressed through my apprenticeship I was also given additional roles and responsibilities at work along side this. This really helped me put the theory into practice as I was completing parts of the course in my day to day work life.

I feel like a valued member of the team and feel as though the work I complete is important not just to myself but the rest of the team around me. I believe not only my team in the small office I work, but also the connections I have made through the rest of Costain value my work input.

The programme is very well organised and ensures that courses do not overlap and you always have sufficient time to revise and prepare before an exam must be sat. You are given a clear set schedule to follow, which helps you plan not only when to revise etc. but also helps you plan your free time for social events, which is still important.

The training provider supports as and when they can. As the course had changed whilst I was beginning level 4, it was difficult to get the help and guidance needed from the training provider as the aspects were new to them as well they did not have any guidance or help in place. It was a bit of a guess to what their best answer could be.

Costain gave me full support whenever needed and also tried to help in place of Kaplan if they did not have the answers. No matter what the question was in relation to (even if it was not specifically about my apprenticeship but something out of the scope) all the learning and development team at Costain would try to help in any way they could.

I believe my salary is a fantastic benefit alongside my apprenticeship and provides a much safer and secure environment than many other apprenticeships offered by other companies which are much lower paid. I am able to claim back the mileage to and from college as well as the parking which is also a great help in keeping costs low and necessary.

There are many opportunities outside work to get involved. However as our head office is based in Maidenhead, most of these opportunities are in this area or in other big cities such as Manchester etc. As I am based at a small office in South Yorkshire with no other Costain offices near by, these opportunities are not always available to me.

Yes

- Great support network - Numerous opportunities to grow and succeed as the full team will help you where they can - Many opportunities to continue your studies after you have finished your initial apprenticeship - Fantastic package and salary scheme which can increase as you progress through the course - they offer a much better pay then many Government funded apprenticeships and it is significantly better than the Government set apprentice pay structure.

To make sure you are fully committed to the apprenticeship you are applying for and you thoroughly enjoy the course as it will take up a massive amount of your free time and much of your social life will need to be spared. If you lack an interest or are not motivated to do well, this will hold you back significantly.