Apprentice Tax Technician Review

I usually start my day by checking emails that have come in, writing a to do list and booting up apps that I need for my job. I then provide admin support to members of the team where possible and then spend a large amount of the day preparing tax returns for clients, interacting with clients or completing tasks that are necessary for the formation of a tax return

Everything that I have learned has been a new experience since I came from a background in butchery - I have learned a lot of new systems and processes about preparing tax returns, the laws around tax and also payroll software. I have developed a lot of pre-existing soft skills also such as team working, communication and patience.

it is a very fun programme to be on - every day is a new learning experience and I am very grateful to be doing it with the team that I am a part of as they are very understanding and knowledgeable. It doesn't feel like a chore waking up to come to work so I feel that says enough

The work side of the programme is very well organised, I am always aware of tasks that can be done and who I can speak to if I have any queries about the tasks. The education side isn't as good though as BPP aren't very communicative if I have any issues with the education side of the apprenticeship.

As much or as little support as I feel that I need, which is perfect. If I have any questions, there is always someone who knows the answer and is happy to run through the processes with me, I am very grateful for that as I rarely know exactly what needs to be done at all points

It is markedly different from the support that I receive from my employer, unfortunately. i can still get enough support to get by and haven't failed an exam yet (touch wood) but the immediate support is definitely lacking, it seems that the provider doesn't communicate with the students as much as I feel that they need to

The qualification that I am working towards is invaluable and essential to me being able to carry about my work. As I am working towards a specialist professional tax qualification i really wouldn't be able to get anywhere further in my career if I wanted to, it teaches me everything that I need to know to be able to perform the best I can in my role.

Yes there are many, for example, we have a monthly social meeting after work on the first Wednesday of the month which I have been to a few times, we run quiz nights sometimes and also enter teams into other firm's quiz nights. We do charity days every now and again too which is always a good way to do good and meet other people in the office/wider firm

Yes

The reputation that comes with working for the largest general service law firm in the country is always something that looks good on a CV for one. Secondly, they are very caring about individual employees where needed too, but also on a more general line of thought - an example being the Flexible By Choice policy which allows for work to still be completed but in a way that works best for the individual circumstances of a particular employee

Absolutely go for it - our new apprenticeship opportunities are live now as of 9/2/23 and if you are reading this locally, there is a paralegal apprenticeship opportunity live in the Chichester office, if you are reading this from a tax viewpoint, there is an apprenticeship opportunity live in the Sheffield office. Be calm and be yourself when applying as the firm will be accepting of whatever that is.