Ollie's Accounting apprenticeship Success with Numbers Studio #NAW2023

Hello, I’m Ollie.

I have recently started my apprenticeship at the Numbers Studio. I was studying Business, Maths and Law at Varndean college before, which I was enjoying, but I knew I wanted to start working rather than going to uni.

I wanted to do an apprenticeship as I enjoy learning and wanted to practise these skills, and I am really enjoying learning in a real working environment.

At college they promoted apprenticeships but it felt like there was a big push for university study. It was during a tutor lesson where we were tasked with investigating the pros and cons of higher education, and it was from here that I found myself on the government apprentice website and that is where I found the position at the Numbers Studio.

My family were supportive and encouraged my decision to not go to uni, they also went down the apprenticeship route for their careers!

I was still at college and my A-Levels were just about to start, but I thought I would apply anyway, and if nothing else, it would be good interview practice.

This seems to be the best decision I have ever made!

I applied and heard back the next day from Charlie our HR manager. We had a chat about my future goals, my interest in an accounting and why I would like to do an apprenticeship. I found out more about the role, and arranged an interview to meet Matt the director, and Jamie the operations manager.

We met in a café and it wasn’t intimidating at all, it was just to see if I would be a good match to the company and vice versa.

The great thing about apprenticeships is that you learn as you go, which gives you the opportunity to continue to build upon your skills.

I got a phone call the next day after the interview, just before heading into an exam, and was offered the position, I was, needless to say, very excited about this, and I started the following month!

I love feeling a part of the team, and seeing my work come into play and help with other tasks, the day-to-day work is great.

We have a lot of team bonding days, and we all get along really well, the overall work environment is really supportive, and I am enjoying the training.

At first I found the full day of work quite tiring, but now I have settled into a routine I find the days can fly by!

At work we have a buddy system, and I know the team will never mind me asking any questions I may have. I also have one day a week where I don’t come into the office as I have online study.

This is great as it builds on what I know from work and teaches me new skills which I can then practise. Study hours come out of working hours as at an apprenticeship there is an 80/20 split between work and study.

At the Numbers Studio there are others who have or are currently doing the apprenticeship as well, so I know I can always turn to someone for help if I need it.

I am currently studying level 3 AAT, my main aim in the future is to become a fully qualified accountant. I can’t wait to grow in my role, and continue to learn, and it seems the best decision I made was to become an apprentice!