Accounts Apprentice Review

Daily, I will come in and check my emails and if there are any urgent questions or tasks I will complete those first. We then follow a Timetable for each month which gives us all structure and we can see what other team memebers are also working on. At the start of each month we have period end where we have to work to strict deadlines in order to get the accounts completed.

I have become more competent in Excel and in using computer shortcuts since starting work as an Accounts Apprentice. I have also developed my self confidence and communication skills by having to communicate with different teams (for example the fieldsman or logisitics team) within the company, other than just the finance team.

I enjoy my programme as it gives both me and the company flexibility when it comes to studying. I use the Kaplan 'OnDemand' learning method, so I can study from home and watch videos and study using methods which I know work for me. I watch the videos of a pre-recorded online tutor, and am then set questions and examples to complete in my workbook. I can then consolidate my knowledge using the study text all provided by Kaplan.

I can make my programme as structured as I want through the Kaplan 'On Demand' learning method. Usually Fridays are my study day where I will use the resources provided my Kaplan to watch videos and then answer questions on the subject or can read further using my study text. I do have the option to vary my learning methods to attend classroom lessons or 'live oonline' lectures. I also have a Talent Coach from Kaplan to monitor my progress. I am able to track my training through a training log, which I will then be able to use as part of my portfolio towards the end of my apprenticeship.

My employer allows me to have a study day on a Friday although at Period End I am able to change this to be flexible around the deadlines. I am allocated my study day each week and then also when I have an exam I am able to take the day prior to the exam as a study day to revise. My manager also attends my review meetings with my Kaplan Talent Coach. I am also a part of the SSC (Sport and Social Committee) where I can build my skills which will benefit my Training Log which i can use in my portfolio.

My Training provider has multiple resources i am able to access when working towards my qualification. To start I use my ordinary 'On Demand' videos, and then I have my workbook to answer questions and note down examples. I also have a study text which is a revision guide but also has questions in which I can use to consolidate my learning. Lisa, my Talent Coach can guide me through the best methods of learning to use for each subject and there are aslo Kaplan tutors available for 'Live Chat' if I ever have any difficulties with a question.

Through my qualification I have learnt about Debits and credits and how they would be shown in a T Account. This helps me in my role at Period End when I do journals to move costs from one account to another. I had also learnt about Petty cash and keeping a cash book in Level 2, which has helped me in my role of updating and counting the petty cash and doing the journal for this at period end.

I am a member of the SSC (Sports and Social Committee) where we arrange events throughout the year for staff to attend or to raise money for chairty. Recently, we have held our Christmas Raffle and Valentines Bake Sale which raised money for the charity Mind. I also attend the Tulip Running Club on a Wednesday lunchtime which is ran by other work colleagues.

Yes

Since starting at Tulip I have been given multiple opportunites. I was able to attend the headquarters in Warwick for an Apprentice Welcome event. I have also been on multiple farm visits to see what happens on breeding and finishing farms. I have also made good friends with my colleagues who I otherwise wouldn't have met.

I would say its definitley worth a try... I knew University wasn't for me but I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I had enjoyed Maths. My first ever job interview was at Tulip and I am pleased to say I got my apprenticeship! The interview was my first experience of the 'real working world' and I have building on my experiences ever since I joined.