Finance Apprentice Review

My role is within the Commercial Finance Trading team. I work with my line manager to help to report data around the business on trading performance. I support my team with tasks for Budgeting and Forecasting future seasons. I am responsible for compiling data on trading for certain destinations for TUI Group to use for contract negotiations and talks with Ministers worldwide.

Over the course of my Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeship I have developed so many skills. Not only has my technical knowledge of accounting and data analysis improved. Other skills have really developed such as communication and confidence, as in my role I have had to help create and present meetings. My IT skills have been developed hugely, with using excel every day I am always being shown new features to help maximise my capabilities.

The Level 3 and Level 4 programme has been so enjoyable thus far. The programme has offered the best balance of being able to study and work - I am able to take what I learn from my courses and be able to apply it to my working day. Each day is full of new experiences, which has enabled my development to come along massively.

The programme offers good structure and organisation. The majority of courses offer a good amount of time in between them. Once finishing each course, it is completely flexible as to when you want to sit it. This means that you can plan your exam schedule sufficiently. The only limitation is the flexibility in course dates, it is restricted to when First Intuition run them which can delay things if they are not running the course when you are ready to sit it.

I am offered a huge amount of support from my employer. My line manager is completely aware of me needing to spend 20% learning on the job, and will always find ways to make this possible. TUI have a whole apprenticeship team who ensure everything runs smoothly, and we have a team member in finance who helps to look after the scheme and ensure that we get everything we need.

First Intuition assigns us a skills coach who ensures that we are on track with our learning hours and our development tasks. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and keeps us up to date with everything we need to do. Recently due to the pandemic we have had to switch to taking online courses rather than in person, when doing these online courses we have a tutor who we can contact when we need help, and our progress is tracked through assignments.

As I am studying AAT alongside working, I am able to learn things from the textbook and then apply it to my role. It enables me to have a higher level of understanding when completing my work. With also having to take part in skills sessions as part of my apprenticeship, I am able to develop skills such as problem solving, team work and communication which help me on a day to day basis.

At TUI there are range of activities to get involved in. We have a choir who practice at lunch times, and perform at local events. There are a range of sporting activities from a TUI netball team, to a running club. Lunch and learns often occur where you can either learn about another area of the business or develop new skills. Every couple of months we have learning weeks, in which we can take time out of work and focus on either developing skills, or trying something new.

Yes

I would recommend TUI to a friend, as the apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to develop massively not only from a career perspective, but also from a personal perspective. The working environment has always been amazing, with people being willing to help develop and progress you. I am supported with my studying massively and offered great finance experience.

My advice for those who want to apply to TUI on an apprenticeship scheme is to go for it. It offers not only great qualifications, but also great experience. You are able to develop a great set of skills, which are transferable into everything. TUI is a company that continually wants to grow and develop as a brand, backed by it's core values of being Trusted, Unique, and Inspired.