360 Apprentice Review

I will look at client's queries and look to either save them VAT, pay VAT that they owe to HMRC, register them for VAT, write letters to HMRC, provide VAT advice for them to work on. I will also often deal with HMRC on the phone to get updates on the above.

I have learnt many new skills, such as being able understand VAT much better, analyse VAT and use my knowledge of it to complete work. I feel I have also vastly improved my communication skills both verbally and via written work, whether it be talking to my team, to the client or producing deliverables.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my programme as I have managed to rotate around many different accounting departments in my firm, such as consulting, audit and tax. Some I have enjoyed more than others but even if you find you don't enjoy something it was worth the time spent on it as you have therefore learnt what you wouldn't like to do going forward.

The programme is fairly well structured as we have a set timeline that we follow in terms with moving department, revision for exams and sitting exams, therefore we know where we will be very far ahead of time and can therefore plan ahead. However, the organisation hasn't been great as the communication between the apprenticeship team and the college provider can be poor at time and the college provider hasn't delivered to their timeline of marking coursework which has delayed my progress in my apprenticeship.

I receive a lot of support from my employer as they pay for the exams and tuition and give us study leave in order to help us sit and hopefully pass the exams. They are also on hand if anyone is struggling with anything which is ensuring to know as you know it's there if you need it.

The training provider that I have produces a lot of good quality materials for us to help learn, revise and sit our exams, such as the content book with notes and vast amount of good quality questions which I like and find very helpful. The tutors also allow us to ask as many questions as we want and allow us to email them if we need help.

My qualification definitely helps me perform better in my role as I have learnt many different tax rules and laws which enable me to have existing knowledge that I can build on. I have also learnt a lot about company's financial statements which can also help me complete work.

There are a lot of extra curricular activities to take part in at my work, such as football and other sports. However, I do this at home and my commute is over an hour therefore I don't take any of these up. But my team ensure that we do social events which I do take part in whenever I can.

Yes

They have provided with a top quality job where I have worked with many different high end clients as well as a lot of great people that I have worked with day-to-day. They have also paid for my exams and tuition and also pay a good salary to help support me.

I would advise researching into the business to understand how they work and understand what they are looking for in an applicant. This shows a willing to understand the business ethos rather than just applying without being prepared. I would also advise people to get stuck in and work hard as that will be appreciated by both the firm and colleagues.