I went straight into my first apprenticeship at level 3, one month after finishing my A levels, but before I got my results.

From the minute school started pushing us to decide on what we wanted to do, I knew university wasn’t for me. I was still very unsure of the career I wanted, which made it difficult to think about my next steps. I was worried I was going to be left behind with no direction on where to go after leaving school. It can be very daunting, constantly being asked what you want to do and simply not having an answer!

Even when deciding on the A levels I wanted to take, I had no desired direction so decided to take subjects I felt I was going to enjoy. I ended up doing Psychology, Economics and BTEC Sport, (a bit of a random mix). My advice to people who are unsure of what to do is to start with the subjects you enjoy.

Apprenticeships were always mentioned as an alternative to university but were never given the same value, with the only suggestion being to visit career fairs. These fairs can be a great place to get a real insight of what sort of roles are out there. However, for me, they felt very overwhelming, and I always seemed to come away disappointed that I hadn’t found “my job”. I soon learned that this was okay.

I found the Gov.uk apprenticeship website the most effective tool. I narrowed the search down to a certain location and could see a whole range of jobs. This provided me with inspiration for the sort of job I may like. I checked this website almost every day for new roles and opportunities.

I eventually stumbled across a level 3 Finance apprenticeship at Blenheim. I had no idea what a career in finance looked like, but I had always been good with money and liked working with numbers, so I thought ‘why not’.

I applied, went through the interview process and was offered the job.

I accepted the position because I recognised that it was a great opportunity to get into work and gain a professional qualification. I always kept in the back of my mind that if, at the end of the apprenticeship, I decided finance wasn’t for me, it was not a wasted two years, As I would have still gained a professional qualification and gained valuable work experience, all whilst being paid.

Natural progression

2 years later, it turned out a role in finance was for me! As I was reaching the end of my level 3 apprenticeship I was offered a one-year level 4 apprenticeship, to be able to complete the full AAT qualification. This was a no brainer for me as it allowed me to complete this qualification and gave me another year of practical hands-on experience.

Now 6 years in and I can say I genuinely enjoy my role. As an apprentice in the finance team, I have been able to cover all areas from sales ledger, purchase ledger, cashier and management accounts which has been experience I wouldn’t have had via alternative routes.

Towards the end of my level 4 apprenticeship, after discussions with my manager about what was next for me. I was offered another apprenticeship (Yes, my third one!!). This was a level 7 apprenticeship studying for ACCA to become a chartered accountant. I took time to think about it as I was aware it was a significant step up, that would require a lot more work.

I decided that it was too much of a good opportunity to not take up and would probably be a decision I later regretted if I had not taken it. It will give me greater opportunities further down the line and is made much easier with the support of my employer.

Feeling of accomplishment

Although I knew the course was going to be hard work, I didn’t anticipate it to be quite so tough. Working in industry, many of the modules don’t directly relate to the work I do, which meant I’ve had to work twice as hard as those who work in practice.

Early on, I established a good study routine especially in the run up to exams. It helped that Blenheim supported me in this process.

As exams draw closer, my free time is mostly taken up with revision. However, I know that this is a small sacrifice in the short term in order to gain in the long term.

I think that putting this much time and effort into every exam makes passing feel like a greater accomplishment as I know the amount of work that went into it and the sacrifices I made.

That being said, I am very much looking forward to the feeling of the final exam being over! I can sit back and reflect on the three years of hard work I have put into this final apprenticeship.

My advice

Here are my six key bits of advice I will always share with other apprentices or those looking to find an apprenticeship

1.     Get a good study routine – I change my working hours in the run up to exams as this allows me to focus more of my evenings on revision. I move my hours from 9-5 to 8:30-4:30, this half an hour gives me that time to shift my focus to my study and prepare myself for the evening. It’s a small change but makes a huge difference for me. Small adjustments like this can really help.

2.     Understand it’s not always easy – Professional qualifications are a big deal and can be quite tough. Balancing work and study can be a real struggle at first, but you should soon settle in. You do still have to make some sacrifices (such as weekends studying) to gain the qualifications, you want. Remember, its short-term sacrifice for long term gain!!

3.     It’s okay not to know what you want to do – I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I’ve now ended up in a career that suits me well and that I enjoy. It will all fall into place eventually, but don’t worry if it takes time.

4.     Gain inspiration from what’s around you – You may not know the ideal career for you exists until you investigate. Use career fairs, apprenticeship website and have a google about subjects and areas you enjoy, you never know what you may find!

5.     If you don’t like something, it’s okay to move on – I know that for me personally, I was terrified of choosing the wrong job. You never know until you try! If its not for you, it’s okay to move on, at least it rules out a career path and it helps to narrow down your choices.

6.     Go for it! – I would 100% recommend apprenticeships to anyone of any age! It’s the best way to get hands on experience and a qualification at the same time! Whether that’s starting out straight from school or wanting a complete change in career, it can be a huge benefit to anyone!

Megan Johnston

Finance Assistant at Blenheim, Studying ACCA

You can find out more and connect with Megan on LinkedIn.