Apprentice | Now Assistant Manager

Why an apprenticeship was a great path to my AAT

Sam joined the firm as an AAT apprentice in 2018 and as is now ACA exam qualified. He reflects back on his time with the firm so far and why an apprenticeship was the right move for him.

Prior to joining Sam did explore university as an option to continue his studies, but he begins by explaining why on reflection, going to university wasn’t going to be the right move for him.

“I did go to look at some universities. However, I soon realised that on the job learning would be better suited to me.

When I spoke to the various universities, I discovered that it would take me three years to get my AAT qualification, but if I joined a firm like MHA under an apprenticeship programme I could get this qualification in just a year and a half. 

This coupled with the debt that I would avoid by going down the apprenticeship route instead and earning while I Iearnt meant that I knew that I wanted to start my career sooner rather than later.”

At just 23, Sam has been with the firm for nearly five years now, we ask him what life is like within the business and in particular working in our audit team. 

“Honestly, this is a great place to work, especially for apprentices and trainees. It is very busy but very rewarding at the same time. As much as you do sometimes go at 100mph, when you complete a big piece of work or project, you have time to reflect and look back on what you have achieved.

Everyone is so nice at the firm we all support and help one another out. If someone is struggling there is always someone there to help out. You never feel alone and particularly in those early weeks and months when everything is so new, that level of support is invaluable. 

As a firm we’re very supportive. When it comes to your studies in particular, especially when it comes to having time off to prepare for exams, you are supported and helped to not get stressed and overwhelmed and this is something that you don’t get everywhere.