Finance Apprentice Review

I'm currently working in Accounts receivable where I chase debt for damage to Severn Trent's infrastructure. I also chase debt for Severn Trent services in particular water hygiene. I therefore spend most of time on the phones speaking to people, trying to locate the correct person to approve the invoices or dealing with the queries I get for recharges. this is the first of 4 rotational placements.

I have definitely learnt new skills in terms of what I have learnt from our online college sessions. apart from that I have developed my confidence and ability to present in front of a group of people. I have also developed my communication skills by regularly speaking to customers on the phone and sending emails

I think the rotational placement side of the apprenticeship is particularly good since it will give me a range of different experiences and allow me to develop a broad range of skills. I enjoy my day to day role and have enjoyed site meetings where I have go to go on site to meet customers disputing charges for damage. college is sometimes tiring due to the long days (mainly caused by commuting from derby) so is not ideal after a long day at work however study days have been good.

Quite poor organisation at first from HR as when I asked questions prior to starting, I never got definite answers. also with regards the organisation, although it is confirmed I will have 4 placements we do not what they will be, this is beneficial since we get to decide based on our preferences as long as there is availability. however there is no clarification as to what will happen at the end of the programme.

we have a certain amount of study days per module for AAT, apart from that we have an apprentice cohort lead and a study buddy as support for both studying and any other concerns we may have. I belive the cohort lead is particualry helpful however I have also found my managers' manager very supportive too

the training provider owner is very supportive and passionate but she is often too busy to deal with any queries. our tutor only seems to be online once a week as she normally takes a week, therefore If I have an urgent query I often have to wait. they have a support page open most hours but it is normally to deal with more common queries.

my qualification at the moment is not particularly relevant however it will be in the future. since I could only start in a role where no qualifications are required, it means the qualifications are not needed but hopefully my next placement will allow me to utilise those skills. they do slightly help me to have an overall understanding of some concepts however.

there are not so many social activities however we do get opportunites to do volunteering events. one example is when we attended a call centre for bbc children in need taking payments towards the cause. apart from this I have done some shadowing events and group activities but these have not been extra curricular

Yes

supportive managers in most cases meaning a not too hard working environment and often recognition for the good work done. opportunities are there to understand the business and a very open working environment in finance particularly as the CFO works in the same room. we also had lots off opportunities to meet and understand people higher up in the business on induction.

prepare well for the assessment centre to give you the best chance of succeeding however also show personality as I believe this is one of the things that got me the job. practice presenting your presentation a number of times so you're confident and can believe in what you're saying.