06 February 2023
This week is National Apprenticeship Week – celebrating all of the achievements and positive impact of apprentices across the UK. We sat down with apprentices across the Northern Haines Watts network, to spotlight their career journeys so far.
As a firm, we know first-hand how invaluable and rewarding the apprenticeship career route is, and we’re really proud of the stories our apprentices have to tell.
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, we will hear from a different team member across the North each day, to discus everything from why they chose a their career pathway, to progression and proudest achievements to date.
First up is Rebecca Elliott, who was named as Apprentice of the Year 2019 and has been with us for over two years now. We’re really proud of all of Rebecca’s hard work and achievements to date and we’re excited to see the next steps in career as she part-qualified earlier this year.
Could you tell us a bit about your career journey so far?
I left sixth form at 17 years old just after my AS levels. I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do but I’d seen a finance apprenticeship at a local charity advertised and I felt like it was a really good opportunity for me. I got the job and spent around 6 years there whilst I completed a business administration apprenticeship and then the AAT qualification – all whilst working as a project accounts assistant.
In 2021, I’d finished my apprenticeship at the charity and decided I wanted to go on to be a chartered accountant with the ICAEW qualification. To do this, I needed to work for an ICAEW employer so I started to explore my options.
I’ve always enjoyed being involved in the detail of things alongside client service, so I decided audit was a good route for me. I spent some time researching local practices and decided Haines Watts was a great fit for me. I reached out to the Audit Associate Partner at the time and was offered a position as an audit assistant.
Since then, I have gained 2 years of experience in audit and completed my certificate and professional level of ACA – I now only have 3 exams left before I’m chartered!
Why was an apprenticeship the right route for you?
I’ve always learnt more by ‘doing’ than reading or watching.
I also loved the idea of building my career whilst learning. Whilst university is a great route for some, apprenticeships allow you to make contacts and gain experience during your qualification and I wanted to get started straight away.
Could you give us some highs and lows of your apprenticeship?
Back in 2019, I won AAT apprentice of the year. It was a really proud moment for me and I felt like my hard work on both the exam and in my previous job role had really been noticed. I’d also say becoming ACA part qualified on the 20th Jan was such a huge high – it’s been really hard work but definitely worth it.
What drew you to Haines Watts and why is it the right fit for you?
The main thing that drew me to Haines Watts was the people. From my first conversation with our Audit Partner Nicola, everything was so relaxed and people-focused – she was more concerned with finding if I was the right fit for the team than my professional/ academic success and I felt this was such a good sign of the culture.
My first impression was correct. And I still absolutely love the culture and values we have here – everyone is so friendly and it’s just such a nice place to work and grow together.
What kind of skills have you learnt during your apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship has really helped me to develop my confidence and problem-solving skills.
I’ve of course learnt and developed lots of technical skills that I will apply in the future but I think the main thing is definitely soft skills that will help you in all aspects of life.
What is your favourite part of your role?
The chatting! I love talking to clients, getting to know them and their businesses. I also really enjoy coaching our new graduates.
What kind of businesses do you work with?
We work with businesses from all industries which is great for my own development. Most recently I’ve worked on manufacturing / engineering client which was really interesting and also lots of charities.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Listen and learn!
The best thing you can do is to absorb as much as you can from the people around you and never stop trying to learn.
It’s easy to get to a ‘comfortable’ point in your job where you know what you need to know but if you want to better yourself you need to ask questions and learn from other people’s expertise.
And what about someone who was considering an apprenticeship?
I, personally, am very glad that I took this route. I’m in the same position now as many of my peers who went to university but I’ve got 7 years of work experience and no student loan debt.
I think everyone is different and it’s important to work out what’s right for you but for most careers, apprenticeships are an amazing route for getting hands on experience at all levels and getting your foot in the door.
