Curtis

Finance Apprentice

How long have you worked at AWE?
Just over a year

Tell us about your time at AWE?
During my apprenticeship I will be working in seven different placements moving round the finance department on a regular basis. I am currently about half way through this and I feel I have learned so much already. I have been able to work with a wide range of people across the whole business. I enjoy the fact that in finance each day will usually be different to another dependant on which time of the month it is.

Why did you choose AWE for your apprenticeship?
Before I applied for the apprenticeship, I didn’t know much about AWE but after researching about their apprenticeship scheme I found out about how good the apprenticeship scheme is. The fact that it is an award winning nationally recognised scheme is very appealing. I then looked further into the finance apprenticeship, finding out about the different areas I would cover and what I would gain along the way and it seemed like a perfect opportunity.  I decided to go for an apprenticeship over other options such as university because I was keen on the fact that you earn whilst you learn. Not only this but I think gaining industry experience at a young age could be very valuable in my career.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Working in many different placements and picking up skills and knowledge is probably the best thing about my job. This will also allow me to have a great start to a career whilst keeping doors open for when I complete my apprenticeship next September.  Being able to work with a wide range of people is also great. The finance department team is very diverse with everyone having different skills. Being able to learn from the team been very beneficial.

What are the benefits?
As an apprentice the career development opportunities that are on offer at AWE are great. There are constant learning opportunities within the company, ranging from online training to shadowing within an area of the business which intrigues you. As well as this there are other incentives that come with the job such as a 9-day fortnight.

How do you see your career progressing?
AWE is very supportive of personal development of  their employees so I would like to continue to study after my current AAT qualification and would like  to do the CIMA qualification and become a fully qualified accountant.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining AWE apprenticeship scheme?
If someone is thinking about joining the AWE apprenticeship scheme, I would really recommend it. I think that the scheme provides invaluable experience along with great incentives along the way.