Apprentice Auditor Review

I work as an apprentice auditor in the internal audit function of the bank. This involves working on planning and fieldwork for audit engagements. Stakeholder engagement is an important part of my day to day role as we must keep the business area informed of our progress regularly throughout an audit engagement.

I have developed my ICT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel, which I had very limited experience of previously. This has helped me to present my testing and results clearly. I have improved my communication skills when meeting stakeholders as this can involve difficult discussions offering constructive challenge based on what we have found during testing.

I have joined a very supportive team and have settled seamlessly into the team, given the challenges that the current environment and virtual onboarding have presented. The team has a lot of people who have recently gone through a similar qualification so I have lots of sources of support and people to network with to get advice on maintaining work/life balance while studying.

There were a number of teething issues from an administrative perspective when enrolling on the programme. These were identified early and clarified with additional meetings and improved documentation provided by the training provider. My employer has been very flexible in accommodating study leave and attendance at personal and professional development activities.

My employer acts as a constant source of support. I have been through a virtual induction with all apprentices which allowed me to build a network beyond my own programme. My line manager has regular check ins and monitors my progress, encouraging me to discuss any barriers I may be facing with my studies. Colleagues also support me by coaching me to learn the day to day job role.

I have been through a live virtual classroom experience for my first module. This was an intensive course, but allowed in the moment support for questions as they arose. The resources online are brilliant and video debriefs of longer complex exam questions have formed an important part of my revision schedule.

The qualification gives me an important understanding of the theoretical concepts that are applicable to the role - and when this is combined with my day to day role it allows me to see the bigger picture of where this career could lead in the future. It increases my employability, giving me confidence for developing a positive career in this area.

We have a range of great place to work events, which are social events such as quizzes and cookery classes to get involved with and network with colleagues. There are also a lot of professional development activities held by our Apprenticeship Councils. There are a range of wellbeing webinars/events available also.

Yes

I have been guided through the process right from the virtual induction with all the apprentices and mentored and coached to ease me into what was a completely new role in a function I had no prior experience of. I am proud of how well I have settled into the team, given the fact I have never met any of them in person! That in itself is a tribute to the fantastic colleagues I am surrounded by.

Do your research and ensure that you understand the commitment required. An apprenticeship is a balancing act between your qualification and your day job. Neither should be treated as more important, and that can be a difficult balance to achieve. Look at the programme in the context that the qualification is going to compliment you in your day job and allow you to grow and develop in that role.