Technical Academy Apprentice Review

I am in the Technical Academy which means I rotate areas each month, I currently post articles onto an external site, summarise content and publish my own Tax, Trust and Protection newsletter each week. I balance my day to day job with learning content for my exams, completing Early Careers experiences and apprenticeship tasks set by Davies.

As an individual who is typically very rigid in their routine, I have learnt the skill of prioritisation of tasks and being more flexible and adaptable to change. I now understand the professional environment and have learnt lots of excel and written skills, especially while writing my Tax, Trusts and Protection newsletter.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far. As an apprentice, there is so much support offered to you and so many relationships to build while also developing your skills. I feel SJP does a really good job in including us in the wider company culture; for example: letting us attend seminars that would typically be available to those above our level.

We are given a set of objectives by our placement manager to fulfil as well as objectives and learning outcome set by the apprenticeship. This provides a good structure and allows us to set goals. The only inconvenience we have had is that we were not given our learning resources upon the apprenticeship start but that has not happened in previous years and is an external issue.

So much support!! From your manager to peer groups to other apprentices to the whole surrounding office - you can really ask anyone if you need help or have a question. Its a big part of the culture and comes naturally. I would just like to add that as someone with health issues, they have accommodated without hesitation.

There is a good amount of resources available, calls set up to explain tricky topics and you can send them an email with a query anytime. Closer to your exam date, they also hold all day learning recap sessions covering all of the content. I would say a good amount of support offered if you choose to take it!

My qualification is helping me understand my job better as I work with technical articles, formatting and checking them over so having that extra knowledge makes it a lot more efficient.

SJP have frequent events running for their charitable foundation - I am attending a quiz night soon! They offer a range of learning or social events for everyone. In addition, my apprenticeship cohort (in the Technical Academy) has a peer group where we have a guest speaker and social event run by an apprentice which can be really interesting!

Yes

I think it is a very good entry into the workplace, the company has a really good culture and level of inclusiveness . There are also so many paths you can take! They will fund your exams and help you get to your desired area or role within the company.

Be authentic and motivated, be prepared to do a varied series of interview styles and tasks and have a look at the vast array of apprenticeship options SJP offer to find what suits you best. Confidence is key and no one wants you to fail, it is okay to feel nervous but genuinely just be yourself at the interviews and enjoy the process.