Accounts Apprentice Review

My day to day role involves checking the bank account balances to ensure we have enough money in the bank, and move money if necessary. I also process customer requests such as sending refunds and closing agreements. A new task which I will begin in my role is taking on a new project to help improve our processes.

I have developed an array of new skills since beginning my role at First Response. My excel skills have developed massively, also my ability to write reports has hugely developed both through my role at First Response and my University assignments. Finally in line with our company values my ability to give feedback as developed so I am able to be more open and honest wit others.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. Both my work and my University studies are extremely beneficial and have enabled me to develop massively in a short period of time. Also, the support I get from the workplace to help me balance both of these things helps make the programme much more manageable and enjoyable.

My programme is very well organised. I feel in comparison to others on my University course that I am very well prepared in the long term for my end point assessment at University and logging all of my developed skills and behaviours. I also feel that I am provided with plenty of time to complete all of my tasks and never end up feeling stressed at the last minute.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. The agreement that I have with my employer is that I can have as much or as little support as I feel I need as long as I instigate the support and ask for help. I personally ask for a lot of support with assignments and also sometimes in my day to day role as I feel the more help you get the more differing opinions you have to consider.

I receive some help from my training provider, however I do not utilise it as much as I utilise my workplace support. I am aware of the support available, for example if I need an extension on my work or where I can submit my work for grammatical support, however I have not utilised these yet as the main support I need is for brainstorming ideas or reading through my assignments.

I feel that my University assignments have helped me to gain a better understanding of what other departments in my organisation do which I previously had no understanding of. For example prior to going to University I had no awareness of the work the marketing and HR departments did, however now I feel I have a greater appreciation and understanding of their roles.

Yes, at First Response we offer additional courses for employees looking to further develop themselves and learn more about the organisation, which is a great opportunity for employees to push themselves and establish goals for themselves. In addition we have the opportunity to go on regular team builds with our departments to get to know each other better and build trust. Finally dependent on your department you get the opportunity to work out of office and go on days to meet with other companies or to training courses to help further your knowledge.

Yes

This company is incredible to work for. The organisation has the employees and customers best interests at heart. I am proud for work for First Response. The company also wants their employees to achieve their own personal goals and strive for new things whether this is in their current role, or in a different role.

Read up on the companies values and purpose and see if these resonate with you. If they do then come into your assessment day or interview being true to yourself, and show what you can bring to the company. Don't worry too much about the process and just try to do your best in any interview you go to.