Throughout my school life I had no clue what I wanted to do when I left. Of course, when people asked me I would tell them something like a vet or a psychologist because they were credible careers that I could think of on the top of my head however, realistically I had no idea. As a child I struggled to imagine my life post education because I did not necessarily have the ideal role models in life to help me. My father was not in my life and my mother struggled to put food on the table through whatever odd jobs she could find; there was no stability.

For the longest time I struggled with my mental health, and I was in such a dark space that I had convinced myself that figuring out what I wanted to do after sixth form did not matter because I would not be around to experience it. However, I was also someone who knew how to mask how I felt. I continued with my studies, applying to universities because that was the ‘normal’ thing to do. I even applied to Oxford University because I had the predicted grades for it. After awhile I found out more about apprenticeships and how they were a credible choice besides universities. Despite having applied to multiple universities I decided to also begin applying to apprenticeships. I believe that apprenticeships are just as valuable – if not more so – than university because you earn whilst learning and gaining experience that future employers desire. An apprenticeship seemed like the best option to me as there was less financial risk involved. I could continue living at home whilst also bringing money in to help put food on the table and keep my younger siblings happy and healthy.

After further research into how apprenticeships work, I began to look around my local area. I was using the usual job sites like indeed but also looking more local by looking at apprenticeships posted on my local county councils’ website. Ultimately this is where I found the position that I am currently in. I didn’t have much of a system, after all I still had no clue what I wanted to do. I was applying to any apprenticeship I could find. In the end I was lucky enough to land an Interview at Dorchester Town Council for a finance assistant apprenticeship that I was told would last 4.5 years whilst I studied AAT – a highly credited accounting technicians’ qualification. Somehow, despite my lack of mathematical skills and financial knowledge, I was able to land the apprenticeship and started shortly after I left sixth form.

Landing this apprenticeship changed something in my brain. For the first time I was able to imagine a life outside of full-time education. It wasn’t perfect, I still did not know what I wanted to do in life, but it was a starting point. It was as if a light bulb had begun to flicker within my brain and I could start to see a way out of the darkness.

Going into this apprenticeship I was very much so blinded. All I knew about the world of finance was stereotypes that I had learned from movies – and I don’t quite believe that ‘A Christmas Carol’ is up to date with the accounting standards! I wholeheartedly believed that the office would be filled with middle aged men on the brink of retirement because that was what society has led me to believe about the accounting industry. With this in mind, I tried to prepare myself before my first day in the only way I knew how. I knew that accounting involved spreadsheets – and that I severely lacked knowledge in anything Excel related – so I went to my local library to find any excel related books to read up on different formulae that could potentially help me. I remember walking in on the first day with a notebook of formulae that – unbeknownst to me – I would never use and realising just how wrong I was to believe the stereotypes.

Despite this mistake, I am still glad that I put the effort in to try and learn more. Looking back, it was a smart thing to do and showed that – even if I did not realise it – I still cared about the apprenticeship going well regardless of my lack of knowledge. I believe that it is important to remember that when you are considering what apprenticeships to apply for, if there is a position that you really want to do but you’re worried that you won’t get the role due to a lack of knowledge my best advice is to apply anyways. The worst thing an employer can say to you is no. Not to mention, even if you do not get the position, they may be able to give you valuable insights into what you could do to better increase your chances of getting your dream position in the future.

Fast forward to now and I have completed AAT Level 2 – a qualification that will lead to me becoming a qualified accountant and bookkeeper. I excelled in each exam and have begun my studies for Level 3 which will hopefully follow the same track record. If someone had told me when I was studying in sixth form that I would end up working in finance and training to be an accountant I never would have believed them. One because I would have believed that being an accountant is the least creative job possible and two because of my lack of relevant skills.

However, I am glad that I am doing this. I love the work, and it is really satisfying watching numbers do what I want them to do. Even though it is a path I never would have thought of, it is one that is coming naturally to me. This role has opened my life up to so many opportunities that I never even know existed prior. For instance, not only am I now a finance assistant, but,

• I am also a clerk for an educational charity,
• I was part of the AAT Student Council 2024/2025 shaping the future of the qualification,
• I have been interviewed by big names in the accounting industry,
• I became the RFO for another council before I was 20,
• I will shortly be launching my own financial business,
• And – my greatest achievement to date – I was a finalist for AAT Apprentice of the Year 2025!

In conclusion, my biggest advice to you whether you’re applying for an apprenticeship or a normal job is to just go for it. Don’t let the little worries about not being good enough hold you back. Nobody wants perfection nowadays because perfection is hard to mould to an individual business. Being perfect tends to mean that you do things a certain way and you’re not open to doing it any differently. Whereas going into a position with little to no background experience makes it easier for you to adapt and fit the mould.

The reality is that no one can tell you what your future holds. Take advantage of that and shape your future the way you want it to be!

Keira Lake

AAT Apprentice of the Year 2026 Finalist; Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2026 Finalist; AAT Level 2 qualified; PIALC; FILCA; ILCA; AAT Student Council 24/25; Clerk to the ACTET

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