Finance Apprentice Review

-Completion of daily and monthly bank reconciliations -Maintenance of accurate accounting records -Cash balance monitoring and reporting in accordance with internal policies -Management of foreign currency balances -Collation and input of electronic bank transfers through the relevant banking systems -Administration of new bank account set-ups -Maintain signatories and mandates of existing bank accounts

-Currently studying CIMA, attending classroom sessions and completing online tasks -Keeping up to date with required internal training, and putting new skills to use on a day to day basis -Attending M&G auditorium sessions so that I can learn as much as possible about the company and company values -Developing personal skills i.e. communicating with different people, not being afraid to ask questions as it's all a learning process

The work I complete on a day to day basis isn't the same every day, sometimes it's quite slow, other days it’s busy and time consuming but it’s not something that I haven't been able to handle. I think I'm extremely lucky to be working with such a friendly team, they're all approachable and are always willing to offer their expertise when I need it; it's very easy to learn when you're working in a good atmosphere. M&G's culture is great, being an apprentice is just the start and they are willing to take you on and encourage personal development. The programme met my expectations pretty well as I am really enjoying my role so far, but I'm also very keen to get my studies out of the way and qualify into a more important role that requires more responsibility

My manager appreciates any work that I complete or help him with; this encourages me to be confident with work that I produce. Being able to reply to emails as soon as possible and tend to those who have queries always makes you feel recognised because they're always grateful. Being new means that I haven't really had the opportunity to get involved with big projects but I have been able to assist with audit requests and setting up new bank accounts. Based on feedback from my manager I do feel valued and that the work I produce is useful.

-The induction is pretty clear and you get lots of welcome emails and attend different networking events -Training is good both internally and externally, internal training is set regularly. External training however can take quite a while to set up and can be a little confusing due to communication issues, but once it’s all set up it isn't too bad. You get to attend classroom sessions or if you prefer you can choose online sessions, it’s all up to you. -My manager offers great support when I need it and offers me good advice as to who I can speak to and who can help. Also talking to ex apprentices within your area can be really beneficial as they have gone through the entire experience before you and can offer great advice

-Seeing as I'm relatively new, I haven't had much support from my training provider yet in terms of exam schedules and portfolio preparation, but it’s gradually getting better. -Although I haven’t had many sessions with my tutor yet, he’s easily accessible via email and also when I see him at the training centre he answers any questions/concerns I may have.

I love the team I work with because everyone is so supportive and happy to help. My manager offers me great advice where he feels I need it, being in a workplace environment is extremely different to college and can be quite overwhelming at times, but with the support provided the transition gets easier.

Travelling into work every day can be quite expensive but the salary provided is more than enough and definitely a lot higher than what you would expect for an apprenticeship.

M&G have a sports and social page which allows you to get involved with lots of different events, so you’re never really missing out. Also the investment 2020 scheme allows for apprentices to meet from different business backgrounds as part of social and educational purposes.

Yes

It’s not all about going to university, if you know where you want to be in life and there’s a route for you to go down where you’re not drowning in student debt, you can get you’re qualifications, and you’re also getting paid, then why not go for it. M&G is a very inclusive place where you’ll feel wanted, despite being the youngest and thinking you’re irrelevant it’s the perfect place for you to kick start your career and get to where you want. M&G offers so many social and educational opportunities so you’re constantly learning and growing as and individual and as a colleague.

The application process is quite long but definitely worth it, make sure you prepare well for your interviews and really understand what the company is about, it can be quite draining (having had several rejections from other apprenticeships) but remember to stay enthusiastic, you just have to be yourself and really make sure that the role you have applied for is something that you are passionate about and is something that you can really see yourself doing.