Apprentice - Group Tax Review

I am based within Group Tax as a Tax Apprentice, and on a daily basis I assist various members of the team of different tasks and projects. As my knowledge in tax is improving (as I left Sixth Form with no knowledge at all) I am being given more responsibilities, and tasks that I am in charge of completely on a weekly, monthly and sometimes quarterly basis.

Primarily, my general Tax knowledge has improved, but more so my bookkeeping skills. Bookkeeping was the first module of my AAT level 3 qualification. Working in tax, specifically VAT, has enabled me to put these skills to use and helped embed the knowledge, which I believe essentially helped me to pass my first exam.

My whole team have been extremely welcoming, and it is a very comfortable and friendly environment to work in. Having no previous tax knowledge or experience, I was initially very worried about starting. However everyone has taught me how to do things, and slowly given me more responsibility, rather than giving me work I wouldn't be able to do. they are patient and all take the time to check my work and explain how I went wrong so I can learn from my mistakes. It has exceeded my expectations by far.

Receiving praise from my colleagues when I complete a piece of work for them, even a simple 'thank you' really makes me feel like I am adding something to the team. I have also been involved with an on going project for the team, and so being part of a team makes me feel really involved, which is nice when you are putting your time into something.

The structure to my training is good. It is well spread out between each module, and you have time to be able to study for each exam before moving on to the next The communication between myself and the training company could be better, as booking exams proves more difficult than it needs to be. I have enough time to study, and am fully supported by my team in every aspect.

The support whilst we are in class is good, however it could be better outside of this. You can email your tutor and talent coach, however the response isn't always particularly helpful which can be difficult when you have an exam coming up. The online Kaplan site is extremely helpful and I use this to support my learning.

My manager organises fortnightly meetings with me to ensure I am happy, enjoying the work I am doing, and have no general problems. I have had meetings with my HR advisor to check I am happy with everything as well. The support is generally very good, and we have even been paired with a trainee from the previous year to have someone who was in a similar position to us to talk to if we wish.

The salary is very good for a school leaver, as I don't have additional qualifications or any job experience. Personally, because I live away from London, commuting consumes a third of my monthly pay. With living costs and other costs, it does take up a large amount, however this is sometimes something you have to do when you first step into the world of work.

Coming to this job straight from leaving school, I was amazed at the amount of opportunities this job opened up for me. You have i2020 events, where you meet other apprentices and trainees from other companies, and meeting with people from other companies enables you to be exposed to different people in different job roles.

Yes

When I joined there were a large group of apprentices starting, and we all had our introduction together which enabled us to get to know each other from the first day. That was really important in helping you to fit in, as you know you aren't alone, but have the support of not only 15 other apprentices, but your whole team, as well as the support from HR.

I would say to just apply. I had no previous knowledge, nor did I know exactly what my day to day roles would be, however it was the best decision I could have made, having the opportunity to learn whilst gaining on the job experience is extremely valuable. The opportunities that you are open to can take you far.