Assistant Accounting Apprentice Review

My role changed quite a bit because we were on a rotating placement scheme so we were able to get experience in the 3 financial areas of Babcock. I worked and did a variety of Balance sheet reconciliations, Budgeting, Invoicing, Cost analysis and reporting, Month-end reporting and Audit query support. Day-to-day I would support my manager but at month-end I would have my own tasks that I essentially "own" that I would have to perform and put out across the business.

I have learnt a lot of skills on Microsoft Excel including lots of the shortcuts and formulas as this helps to complete my day-to-day tasks in a quick and efficient way. I have also developed my confidence in speaking in meetings and asking questions when I'm unsure of anything. Team-work skills have also been helpful when trying to co-ordinate responses to Audit queries and at budgeting meetings.

I have loved every minute of my 2-year apprenticeship because I was given lots of responsibility almost immediately but also always had support when I asked or needed it. The programme was new and so there was uncertainty as to the extent of the work that they should give us but this worked in my favour because I was treated like a normal employee and not an apprentice so I was able to be fully involved and work on projects as an individual without having to hold back.

The programme was designed brand new and so we were essentially a test to see whether this would be a suitable method going forward. Babcock had a structure planned of 4 placements each lasting 6 months but once we started we realised that longer placements would be better in order to best suit the year end dates. They kept us informed in all changes they were thinking of making and we also were allowed to speak up if we thought it would be best to adjust the transition dates. If they were to run it again I would advise to stick to either the 3 placements with 8 months in each or they could extend it to 3 years and 1 year in each placement

I received lots of support throughout the entire apprenticeship. They supported me financially by paying for my accounting qualifications and any resits I had to take. But they also were kind and would allow time off for illness, personal issues or study days before each exam. They supported lots at work too by having a "buddy" system where this person would check in each month to ask how I was doing or if I needed any help with anything.

The college was very good with offering up 1-2-1 sessions if we needed more than the once a week classroom sessions or if we didn't pass an exam they would again offer up extra tutoring to ensure we passed second time around. They also offered advice and support for the portfolio work when needed.

There are always activities we can be taking part in at work or outside of work with other employees. There is a running club at Bristol where employees take a lunch break and run around the park across the road. There is also a football club that regularly plays matches and asks for new players. Babcock is also very good at allowing us to get together as a team to build better working relationships. We often work during the day but go out in the afternoon/evening for a team meal or we sometimes do an activity like Bowling, Frisbee golf or we have done escape rooms.

Yes

I'd recommend Babcock to Friends and Family because they are such a supportive employer to work for. There are always opportunities to develop our knowledge by working in another place for a period of time or going on to further education with support financially / physically. They allow time off and give financial support if you want to take a professional course or degree in order to better you education levels. Babcock also have a wide variety of very friendly and lovely people to work with which creates such an accepting and supporting working atmosphere most of the time.

BE YOURSELF! Babcock likes honesty and we are always looking for feedback on ways to improve if you have them. Show interest in progressing in the business as we create such a collaborative atmosphere that we like employees that want to stay in the business and find their dream job. Be kind to other employees and understand how you talk to each other