Name: Hannah Traynor

Age: 18

What is your apprenticeship: Corporate Tax Assistant under the ACA-CTA training contract

What is your highest level of education qualifications: Scottish Highers

What does a typical working day look like for you as a Mazars’ Apprentice?

I currently work in Corporate Tax in the Glasgow office as a school leaver apprentice, my job generally involves tax compliance, so working through engagement letters, creating corporate tax computations, all the way through to the final submission. I have also carried out work on site at client venues and regularly work with different members of my team and with other departments too.

What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?

The thing I enjoy most about being an apprentice is that no day is the same as another, every day I am learning something new or working with different people. I just love it!

What do you find most challenging about your apprenticeship?

I have felt challenged in terms of how to conduct myself in a professional office environment. This has proved to be very different from school and from previous part time jobs, although I feel that I have developed myself well and I am improving every day. Also, some people worry about the study/work balance but I feel I am managing to split my time well and have had no struggles so far.

What appealed to you about working for Mazars?

Although Mazars is a huge firm, they do carry that personal touch, that you may not experience at other firms and so they cater for your individual needs, this really made me want to apply for a job at Mazars. I think the study and work balance really appealed to me. It was great to read about past school leavers’ experiences at Mazars and all of the opportunities that they had talked about that are available within the firm. Also, the people just seemed so friendly and welcoming and made me feel that I would fit in just fine.

How did you find the application process?

In both my telephone and office interviews, the interviewers really put me at ease and although they were formal parts of the application process I really felt relaxed. I believe this gave me a great insight into the culture of the firm and post both interviews, I really hoped that I would be successful. Both interviewers really presented Mazars well and showed off how great a place it is to work.

Has your perception of apprenticeships changed since beginning yours?

No, I had always been keen to be an apprentice and had always had high expectations from Mazars. So far I am really enjoying my time here and it is great that the firm are nurturing and guiding me to achieve my goals and aspirations.

What do you think are the most common myths about apprenticeships?

I think people believe there isn’t a proper route into the professional field – this is not true! Apprentices are hired in all different industry sectors and so many go on to be very successful in their chosen field. I also feel that people believe that apprenticeships are for non-academics – this is very outdated! Apprentices are assessed by their training provider and firm, as well as sitting regular exams and carrying out coursework.

What advice would you give to a friend considering an apprenticeship?

If you are looking for an opportunity into the professional field but are not keen on going to university then an apprenticeship is perfect for you. An apprenticeship with Mazars carries so many different opportunities and can provide you with a career for life.