I came across the apprenticeship in Vital, the ACA student magazine. I was already studying the ACA through the ‘traditional’ route but after consulting with my employer and realising how an apprenticeship puts a huge focus on developing your professional skills, I decided to transfer onto the Level 7 programme.

Being an apprentice is challenging but also very rewarding, because you grow and learn. Some things come naturally as you progress, while others require persistence - the key is hard work and never giving up.

I work in a fascinating field, which has helped me better understand the industry. The accountancy profession is dynamic and there are many opportunities to develop your career. The apprenticeship puts great emphasis on continuous learning and I try to do something new each day, for example project work, shadowing or attending new meetings.

Working and studying at the same time requires planning and great time management. My initial goal is to become qualified but at the moment, I’m enjoying working across all areas of the profession. I am just keen to continue developing and pushing myself.

If you’re leaving school and considering what to do next, don’t rush into any hasty decisions or do what your friends are doing if it isn’t for you. Make sure you do something you enjoy as that’s always the key to being successful.