To mark National Apprenticeship Week, the team at The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) spoke to newly qualified members who followed the Level 4 route to completing the ACA. One of the stars they spoke to was our very own award-winning apprentice, Aimee Dimmock – now Audits and Accounts Senior here at FK. Read the full interview below.
“You’re putting what you’re learning into practice day to day”
I found the ‘learning on the job’ aspect of an apprenticeship really appealing. I originally planned to go to university to study psychology, but a maths teacher gave me a leaflet about accountancy and apprenticeship that sparked my interest. Because I’d never studied accounting at school or sixth form, I wouldn’t have had any idea what the content of a university course would be or how it might be useful in a career, whereas with an apprenticeship you’re actually putting what you’re learning into practice day to day. I think that also makes studying easier; you’re able to apply new skills to actual situations and clients you’re working with, so things make sense and are easier to understand.
I did my Level 4 Apprenticeship at an independent firm in Luton that has had an apprenticeship programme in place for the past 15 years, so there’s a nice network of other people who have been through what I was going through, and who could help with studying and share their knowledge. It’s been great learning from people who are working in different parts of the business. I also feel I learn from younger people below me, because the content is changing all the time – there will always be someone who knows something I don’t know yet, or who has a different perspective on things, though obviously we all do CPD and keep ourselves up to date.
You also get to nurture those who are younger than you, sharing your knowledge and experience. I’d love one day to have my own portfolio of clients and my own team who I could help and progress with. I also want to keep developing my own knowledge – I know I still have so much to learn.
I qualified in December but it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I was lucky that my studies weren’t too badly affected by the pandemic: ICAEW responded to the situation really quickly, taking stuff online, and we also had remote exams. It took me a while to find the right balance between working, studying and having personal, social time. When I first started I was very conscious of putting 100% of my time into study and exams, but I learnt that it was possible to find a balance, and I definitely think that helped me to perform at my best.
Even though my interest in accountancy didn’t really start until I was in the role, I really enjoy it. I feel I am where I should be.
You don’t need a degree to become a qualified chartered accountant. Our higher-level apprenticeship will provide you with the opportunity to kick start your career in accountancy. You can read more about the apprenticeship scheme here and get in touch with any questions on the next scheme.