Assistant Accountant Apprentice Review

My typical activities have involved assisting with site finance teams, dealing with purchasing of goods, liaising with operational teams and suppliers. I have also had involvement in invoice raising, debt collection and preparation of period end accounts, while also having involvement in helping to prepare consolidation of reports and various KPI measures.

I have been able to greatly develop new and existing skills throughout the duration of my apprenticeship. I have been able to develop new, key accounting skills and understanding through the time spent with my course provider to prepare for exams. While, also being able to take advantage of the various in house training provided by DHL and the apprenticeship team. This has also been able to be done within working hours, due to the study entitlement aspect of the of the apprenticeship.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the programme - being able to work within different teams, attend various events with other grads and apprentices to network and build relationships across the business has been great. I have also found the steady progression within my responsibilities and taking on more challenging tasks throughout the scheme enjoyable and rewarding.

The programme structure from my employer has been fantastic, there is a dedicated team that looks after all apprentices within the business who are always on hand when needed. There are a number of support structures in place, and I have found that everyone within the business have been very approachable should you need them. The apprenticeship team also make an effort to check in with you, and see how you are getting on, so you never feel like you are alone on the apprenticeship.

My employer has been great throughout the duration of the apprenticeship when it comes to support. I have been given the study time required to help me work through my exams and assignments. I have also had monthly 1-2-1s with my line manager, routine check ins with the apprenticeship team and mentors within the business.

Having started the scheme doing pre-recorded class rooms, I found the support limited and restricted. I feel I work better and learn better in an environment where there can be live discussion which was missing from this style of learning. The course content was sufficient but it wasn't the learning style I think I am best suited to, which I feel had a slight negative effect on my course training and understanding.

The content taught and exams that I have sat, have helped in developing my professional skills and knowledge that are required within my role. The exams have introduced me to key accounting concepts, that before the apprenticeship I hadn't heard of due to the scheme being my first experience within finance. So, I have been able to link my exams to work, and work to exams, which has helped me in better performing in exams and within my role.

I have been able to take part in a number of days outside of my typical work, such as an insights day where we looked into our own personality types and different types of personalities within the workplace was a very interesting day to be involved in. I also took part in a diversity in logistics challenge, where we competed against various other logistics providers in various sports activities.

Yes

I would recommend DHL to a friend as I have had a great experience since starting within the business and feel I have been able to develop continuously throughout the scheme and feel there is a good structure for this progression to continue beyond my apprenticeship. I have been in the business for about 20months now, and look forward to continuing my journey within DHL in the future.

I would say to be yourself, and understand the business and its value to see how they align with your own values to ensure it would be a good fit for both parties. DHL is also a large company, with many roles and schemes to apply for, so take a look at what is on offer and see what most appeals to you!