As we celebrate National Apprenticeships Week, we’d like to introduce to you some of our great team, starting with Danielle, our finance apprentice:

“I have really enjoyed my time so far working with SIPS Education Ltd. I started at SIPS in August 2021 on a Level 2 AAT Qualification which I completed in October 2022 and then I continued to start my Level 3 AAT Qualification in October 2022. I had some issues with the first training provider but with Sally’s help this is all resolved now, and I still managed to gain my level 2 qualification😊. The induction was the scary part especially as this was my first ever full-time job, I didn’t quite know what to expect however, I was made welcome in no time. All my team are very helpful and supportive, and the work was thoroughly explained to me by my line manager and my colleague. I could ask as many questions as I wanted to ensure I thoroughly understood what I was doing, and I wasn’t judged for this. The process of coming to work and starting something completely new was scary but also interesting to see a functioning office workplace and get my first job. The support with training and work aspect was amazing, I knew I could also go to Sally if I needed any advice or support as well as speak with my line manager regarding any queries or concerns, I had.

Throughout the duration of my apprenticeship, I was also offered full-time employment within SIPS Education Ltd which was a good sense of achievement for me to have and to know that all my work and progress didn’t go unnoticed. The most important thing I learn ’t was how to work well in an office environment and how to deal with challenging situations and individuals calmy and respectfully. I have been able to progress onto my Level 3 AAT Qualification which I am hoping to have completed by April 2024 and then continue to progress onto my Level 4 and then onto my Level 7.

SIPS have really helped me to begin and progress in my accounting career. This apprenticeship has helped me gain the basic knowledge of Level 2 Accounting as well as gaining further knowledge within the workplace and gain the appropriate training for my Level 3. I hope I can continue with SIPS to gain all my accounting qualifications and progress as I feel this would really help me in my future career.

Apprenticeships are a good opportunity given to young individuals to kick start their careers and they can help you progress further in life skills as you are learning the relevant knowledge as well as putting this knowledge into perspective in your place of work.  The benefits of completing an apprenticeship after school I believe are firstly, you get to earn money whilst on the job, you can put your knowledge into everyday situations at work, gain work experience that can help you when applying for other jobs as well as you are getting a feel for the working environment.”

“A few things I wish I knew before coming to work:

  • Work is scary but it is not as hard as you think it may be!
  • You can do anything you put your mind to if you just believe in yourself 😊
  • Don’t give up… if you don’t think university is for you there are many different other options, and an apprenticeship is one of them!
  • If you ever need help, just ask… you may have heard this a lot but it’s true within SIPS Education Ltd if you need any help just ask anyone and they will try their best to help you.”