3 reasons to undertake an apprenticeship in Financial and Professional Services
Financial and professional services is the largest business sector in Chesterfield. The sector has experienced a huge growth in the past five years, with the number of local businesses increasing to more than 835. Locally, there are around 8,250 jobs in the sector including apprenticeships.
To help you gain a better understanding of what a career in the sector can be like, we spoke to apprentices from across the Chesterfield area.
1. Apprenticeships offer a pathway into the sector
Most careers in this sector require you to have relevant training and qualifications, which makes apprenticeships a fantastic route into the sector.
Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, said: “For many years, we have offered apprenticeships, not as a separate route in but as one of several ‘normal’ pathways to become a Chartered Accountant (ACA), Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), Accounting Technician (AAT) or Taxation Technician (ATT). We want and expect an apprenticeship to become a fully desirable pathway for young people, looking for a career in the financial sector.”
Joe Malone, Level 7 ACA apprentice at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, discovered an apprenticeship was the best route to become an ACA Chartered Accountant.
He explained: “The ability to learn through work and real-life scenarios is important – that’s one of the main things that appealed to me about an apprenticeship. Although you have the responsibility of performing your role, a lot of importance is also placed on your learning and study time. It’s a great balance.”
2. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain first-hand insight and real life understanding of the job
Jamila Ibrahim Hall, Commercial Finance Admin Assistant at Sutton McGrath Hartley (SMH), shared her experience of being an apprentice in the sector:
“Business and finance is a very fast-moving area of the sector where you can learn a lot from experts who know the ins and outs of the sector as well as how it works. My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to gain a first-hand insight and a real life understanding of the job rather than a classroom simulation.
In my day to day whilst in work I answer client emails and calls, attend meetings, and do basic admin tasks. My confidence skills have grown massively after meeting so many different people in and out of the business and making new friends. There are a lot of opportunities for me to progress and excel within SMH and I can see myself working my way up in the future.”
Millie Stevenson, Principle Finance Admin Assistant at Sutton McGrath Hartley, shared the benefits of choosing the apprenticeship route:
“There are lots of different levels of apprenticeship and ones that suit school leavers at 16, people finishing college, university graduates and right through to people who have been in a job for many years. A huge bonus to choosing an apprenticeship is that you’re likely to get offered a full-time placement after finishing your apprenticeship.
My apprenticeship is a great way to really understand the industry I work in and a massive help to find a career that I enjoy, I get to meet different people and make new friends. I have access to great support whilst training as I’m working alongside experienced people in my workplace and from specialist trainers from my apprenticeship training provider who are there to help me gain the skills and knowledge I need to succeed.”
3. Skills in financial and professional services can be applied to careers in lots of different sectors
The beauty of working in financial and professional services is you can apply your skills to so many different sectors, meaning you can choose to engage in an area of work you find most exciting.
Lewis Atkins, Mortgage Administrator at Mortgage 1st, who is working towards his Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, demonstrates this:
“Once I have gained my level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, I still want to be working for Mortgage 1st but in a different department. The Protection side of mortgages has recently caught my eye. After some experience in this I would then like to get my CEMAP Qualification, to then become an adviser.
There are many benefits whilst having an apprenticeship, they help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen industry. Getting into employment earlier means there’s lots of potential for you to progress in your career quickly. You can also begin to earn a good salary much earlier on in your life.”
Lisa Stones, Operations Director at Mortgage 1st said:
“Lewis has been part of our team now for over a year and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements. He’s busy working though his apprenticeship course whilst his knowledge and confidence is growing by the day in his role as a Mortgage Administrator.
Having an apprentice as part of our team at all times is vital for both, us as a business and the apprentice themselves. We are providing opportunities to young people to learn, develop and progress into lifelong careers in our sector. They bring youth, energy, and a different generational outlook to the team so it’s an absolute win win for everyone!”
Search the apprenticeship vacancies available in Chesterfield and learn more from current apprentices here.
Mollie Brown
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