Finance Apprentice Review

My role includes reconciling supplier statements to our accounting system; this allows us to pay the suppliers the money they are owed. Once this is down I will also send the suppliers their remittance advice - this tells them what they can expect to be paid into their account shortly. I am slow required to control the accounts specific email inbox, ensuring that all invoices are only sent to the appropriate sections/staff members.

In terms of new skills, I have learned how to communicate effectively with people from different sectors. Part of my role means having to work closely with not only the finance team but also the procurement and commercial team. I have also built largely on my computer skills, in particular, the use of excel and several accounting software programmes.

This is the first time I have done paid work and I enjoy it a lot. I feel that the balance between gaining experience in the work place whilst studying and continuing to develop has been an ideal way to make my way into the working world. I feel that, in a few years, I will be in a strong position to apply for jobs that I maybe wouldn't have had a chance with, without the experience that I have acquired.

My programme is well organised and I knew exactly how things would plan out within a week of the job. It was made very clear early on that there would be an element of flexibility within the programme which appealed greatly to me; I was able to select my study day to ensure it fitted in with how I wanted to learn.

My employers are extremely helpful in aiding my development. I have learned lots of skills and techniques from lots of different people. Many of my colleagues have also been on a similar journey to what I am embarking on and can therefore give me plenty of support on the studying side of the programme as well as the working side.

Once I settled in and got used to the training provider log in page I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use. Everything you need from practice questions to read and unread content is very accessible. There are several ways to learn including at college, via online classes, on demand learning and also self study. They are very supportive of your choice but will ensure they help you make the right decision.

The topics I cover within the qualification have emerged frequently in my day to day work which helps massively when trying to implement new concepts and skills. This is also largely down to my employers as they ensure that my day to day working roles are in line with what I am learning.

On my project there are several outside of work activities; football and cycling are particularly popular. During my time so far on the programme I have done two team building exercises as well as several days out. There is a lot of variety and you can be sure to always have something to forward to in the near future.

Yes

Costain is a company with a growing reputation in a growing industry. As soon as I became aware of the programme I was intrigued and felt it was a perfect springboard into the industry. Not only is it a great company to develop with in terms of skills and qualifications, but it is a lot of fun and has really helped me grow as an individual.

For me, it was about explaining where I am currently and then expressing where I want to be. Something that struck me was their willingness to mould the programme in order for it to be right for me. I would also recommend doing your research on the company and the programme that you are applying for as Costain is a very passionate company that really believe in their principals.