APPRENTICE Q&A: One year on!

Last August our brilliant apprentices Jamie and Mark joined the EduFin family. One year on, we chat about the experience of their first year in finance, what it’s like working for EduFin and the things future apprentices might want to know.   

So what made you both choose an apprenticeship?  

J: For me, I knew I never wanted to go to university, I just didn’t think I’d suit it and I wanted to experience a real working environment in the finance industry.

M: I also didn’t want to go to university, I wanted to do more on the job learning as that’s the way I learn anyway. I started looking on the job sites and spotted EduFin. I saw that it involved consulting, going from place to place and meeting new people. I thought to myself, that sounds up my street - I enjoy that kind of thing. So I applied!

When you got the job what was your first week like?

J: The first week I was in the office being trained. When you initially join it’s a little daunting as you aren’t used to a lot of the lingo, but once you get training you suddenly understand a lot in a small space of time. Then you begin going out to clients and gaining some on site experience.

M: It was fun! At first you’re thinking “how am I going to remember this!?” but the more you do it, the more you forget that you’re actually learning as you go along. You get more and more comfortable and before you know it you’re helping clients.

What does a normal week look like for you now?

M: A general week involves one study day - at home or at college. The rest of the days I’m with clients and learning on the job.

J: For me it’s college on a Tuesday and generally on site with clients for the rest of the week. Some days can also be remote working.

What’s it like balancing that work, study lifestyle? What are the challenges?

M: It’s okay. You just need good time management! For example, if I know I have a football match on the weekend I’ll make sure I revise during the week and get the hours in.

EduFin is a great company to work for as they really support the study process. Many others at my college aren’t given study days before an exam. EduFin will give you a study day and a full day off for your exam while others have to take annual leave or cram the night before.

What does your day-to-day look like when your with clients?

M: It changes depending on what client you’re with. One client may require you to do data entries all day but another client may need you to complete more challenging tasks.  

J: Yes it’s definitely dependant on what the client needs. Today I’m doing management accounts but tomorrow may be something different for another client.

Does that keep things interesting?

J: t’s definitely one of the benefits of this kind of role. You aren’t sat in the office doing the same thing each day, you’re in different locations with different people. It keeps things exciting.

What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learnt so far?

 M: Mine would have to be time management. That’s improved a lot! You’ve got to be on the ball with balancing your studies and work, but applying time management is also really important when working with clients. It’s a transferable skill in all aspects of the role.

J: I’ve grown in confidence. Regularly working with clients on site and being in a work environment with support has gradually increased my confidence in my day-to-day abilities.

What’s the most challenging part about being an apprentice?

M: The most challenging part is probably keeping a good line of communication.

J: Yes communication is challenging as you aren’t with the client five days a week so each time you come in you have to catch up on what’s happened. The EduFin team are great at communicating with each other so that eases the pressure.

What you enjoy most about the role?

 M: The thing I enjoy the most is learning a new skill and then putting it to the test successfully. Pretty much every day you’re learning something and it’s very rewarding. Also meeting new people – I thrive off that!

J: I’d say exactly the same. The feeling of accomplishment is immense. You see something and think to yourself “how am I ever going to do that?” then one day you’re implementing that skill without thinking twice.

 It sounds silly but I’ll always remember the first time I did a VAT return my own. It was a genuinely a great sense of achievement.   

What do EduFin bring to the table in terms of your apprenticeship?

 J: I’d say everyone in the team gets on really well. Everyone speaks to each other which I’m not sure you’d get in one of the bigger finance firms. We also all have a great relationship with the directors, they’re all so approachable, I’m never afraid to ask questions or speak to them about anything. It’s important to have that line of communication.

M: They just make you feel very comfortable here. Every person you meet in the company is rooting for your success. So if you’re stuck with anything you can speak to someone higher and ask them “I’m not sure about this, can I watch how you do it?” and they’ll sit and run through it with you. Anything you want to learn, there’s always someone there to help you out.

Do you have a favourite memory from your first year at EduFin?

M: The Christmas do was a lot of fun. I saw some interesting dance moves at the end of the night that’s for sure.  

J: Yes the team day’s out are definitely up there. Go Karting was a competitive one! Our charity fun run was also a great laugh as we really threw ourselves into it.

Finally, what qualities do you think a successful finance apprentice would require and what advice would give?

J: The ability to focus is really important. In any finance role if you aren’t on the ball it will get overwhelming. So keep on top of things and you will reap the rewards!

M: Good perseverance and just don’t give up! When you start out it seems a little daunting and some of the language feels a little alien but stick it out and within a year you’ll be amazed at what you can do.

So there you have it! If you are someone interested in starting out in finance and looking for a role, take a look at our careers page or simply send over a CV to info@edufin.co.uk and tell us a bit about yourself. We are always on the lookout for new talent!