Finance apprentice Review

In my role I am a finance apprentice working for BT security. In my role I have been assigned projects which I work on independently to produce spreadsheets and powerpoint slides which add value to my team and will be used long after I leave. When working on these projects I need to regularly communicate with other members of the team in the office to give me some commentary and detail for the figures I am seeing. I also interact with two members of our offshore team based in India who help me to run reports and also help me with the systems and I can sometimes have problems using them. I do not interact with anyone outside of BT in my daily role.

During my apprenticeship I have been studying towards completing CIMA. So far I have completed 6 exams and am looking to take my 7th one very soon. Along with this, I have completed some internal training set to me by BT, including detecting fraud and security.

I an enjoying my apprenticeship. It has given me an opportunity to work while studying towards something I thought you needed to go to university for, leaving me debt free and qualified years before I expected. I found my team have welcomed me and made me feel very comfortable and confident when I'm at work and this has made my experience much more enjoyable.

I receive praise when I do well and this gives me confidence and motivation to continue to put in maximum effort to my work. I also have received recognition from other members outside of my team for activities I have participated in, including volunteering, which is encouraging. I feel that I have been given a significant amount of responsibility in my job role which makes me feel like I add value to the organisation.

I received an induction on the first day when I joined and I am given regular training to make sure I keep on top of my skills and this makes me more professional when working. I get good support from BPP when I am studying for my exams and whenever I need extra help on a topic or exam I know I can reach out to BPP and they assist me to make sure I am in a position to pass my exams. When I have an exam coming up, I am allowed to take up to 5 days of study leave and another day for the exam which is very beneficial for me to pass my exams. I also get day release from work to attend college for these exams as and when the courses are on. I have regular meetings with my boss to assess my performance, see what I'm doing well and set targets for me to aim for by the next meeting. This helps me to keep on track and makes sure I am progressing in the right direction.

I receive as much support from BPP as I need. If I ever am stuck with a topic I know I can get in contact with them and they give me the support I need.

I receive a lot of support from BT. They allow me to take off study days for the exams and if I am struggling with revision they allow me to do some at my desk at work, which helps my revision massively. If I have any concerns at work I know I can easily speak to my manager and address them and if I have any concerns about my apprenticeship I know I can reach out to my apprentice coordinator in HR who with help me.

I feel I am getting a competitive salary for my age and role. It comfortably covers my travel and costs of living etc. It has enabled me to go on holidays and get a new car and there are pay rises twice a year which is very motivating.

There are so many volunteering opportunities which I could take part in. I am always receiving emails with things I could go and do. There are also company events which I have the opportunity to go too, which include events led by the CEO.

Yes

BT has given me the opportunity to turn myself from a school boy to someone with real working experience and qualifications which are highly regarded. It has been an excellent alternative to university and to know I can earn money instead of being in debt is great.

My advice would be to be confident on the assessment days and back yourself in your abilities.