Apprenticeships
A guide for parents, teachers and guardians
It’s time to explore further education options with your child or student. As the end of school approaches, choosing between an apprenticeship, university degree and full-time work can feel like a daunting decision.
Apprenticeships are an excellent next step for school leavers, giving young people the opportunity to earn while they learn and offering a structured path into certain professions.
How apprenticeships work
An apprenticeship is a form of paid training where you learn a specialist trade, such as accountancy, by working alongside experienced professionals. It combines on-the-job training with classroom learning and typically concludes with the apprentice receiving a nationally recognised qualification.
One of the biggest benefits of apprenticeships is that they give young people the chance to earn while they learn. An apprenticeship can offer the best of both worlds to a school leaver who wants to continue learning but also feels ready to earn their own money.
Benefits of doing an apprenticeship
-
No student debt
Apprenticeships are fully funded by the apprentice’s employer. This allows young people to develop specialist skills and knowledge while remaining debt-free.
-
Fast track entry into a profession
Many university students finish their degree with limited practical experience, which can become a barrier for looking for full-time work. Meanwhile, apprentices learn on the job, developing practical skills and working experience of an industry alongside their technical knowledge.
-
High employability and progression opportunities
In completing an apprenticeship, a young person achieves an industry-recognised qualification, which will allow them to pursue a variety of career opportunities. The majority of our apprentices enter full time employment with us after their apprenticeship – in fact, one of PKF Smith Cooper’s Tax Partners, Natasha Scott, began her career as an apprentice. Read about Natasha’s journey here.
-
Supportive training environment
Apprentices work closely with experienced professionals, who are on hand to provide daily support and guidance as they learn. At PKF Smith Cooper, our apprentices train with some of the Midlands’ leading accountants and advisors, which puts them in very safe hands!
-
Soft skills
Soft skills are transferable and crucial for success in any industry or workplace. Independence, communication and project management are some of the valuable skills young people acquire through apprenticeships.
-
High expectations
The days of viewing apprenticeships as less than university degrees are long gone! Many apprenticeships are just as competitive as degrees, attracting ambitious high achievers ready to kickstart their careers. In addition, only registered apprenticeship training providers are permitted to hire apprentices, which ensures training standards remain consistent.
How to support a school leaver considering their options
There are several ways you can support a school leaver in considering their options and help them decide the best path for their future.
- Encourage research – You can help them find out more about the different options available, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Discuss career goals – Having a career goal in mind will make it easier to decide whether an apprenticeship, degree or full-time job is the right next step. Some career paths will require certain qualifications that can only be achieved through a particular route.
- Build their confidence and independence – It’s natural for a young person to doubt themselves in the face of what can feel like a significant life decision. While your support is crucial, it is important to encourage them to take the lead as they enter this next chapter. Encourage them to search for opportunities that interest them online, prepare thoroughly for interviews and write a strong CV.
- Attend open events to find out more – Accompany the school leaver to apprenticeship fairs and open days to explore different options in more depth.
Remember, your child or student doesn’t have to choose straight away. School leavers can apply for universities and apprenticeships at the same time, meaning they don’t have to limit their options or make a decision before they are ready.
Apprenticeships in accounting
Accounting apprenticeships are some of the most in demand apprenticeships in the UK and for good reason. An apprenticeship in accounting offers a gateway into a fulfilling, people-oriented profession with high earning potential.
Accounting is a stable career field with strong and competitive job prospects, as well as plenty of opportunities to specialise and progress. The myth of the boring, desk-bound accountant couldn’t be further from the truth! Modern accounting involves varied responsibilities and visiting clients outside of the office.
From coordinating business sales for entrepreneurs as a corporate finance director to helping business owners claim tax relief on trailblazing projects as an R&D specialist, a range of career paths can begin with an accounting apprenticeship.
Why PKF Smith Cooper?
PKF Smith Cooper is an award-winning accounting and advisory firm in the Midlands, with offices in Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Ashbourne. We are an independently owned company and part of PKF, one of the largest accounting networks in the world. Our apprentices have the opportunity to work on projects with partners, the leaders of our company and some of the region’s top business advisers, while also benefitting from the credentials of working for an internationally recognised brand.
Committed to developing homegrown talent
Several of our company leaders started out at PKF Smith Cooper in trainee roles, which is why we are passionate about homegrown talent and both personal and professional development are right at the heart of our culture. 1 in every 3 people at our firm are studying in some capacity, with exam assistance, paid study leave and a buddy scheme providing them with extra support and accountability along the way.
Our specialist Learning & Development Team are dedicated to helping our team members reach their full potential, meaning development and progression opportunities continue long after our trainees qualify.
A strong focus on team and culture
Thanks to the lively and inclusive team culture at PKF Smith Cooper, young people do not have to miss out on the social experience of university. We make sure there’s always something fun happening across our offices, from big socials, like our legendary summer and Christmas parties, to team and interest focused activities, like sport events, book club and after work drinks.
Our culture is shaped by our people, with team-led committees influencing all aspects of work life including company values, social calendar and mental health initiatives. For a closer look into life at PKF Smith Cooper, head over to our TikTok and Instagram pages.
Upcoming events on apprenticeships
Want to learn more about apprenticeships at PKF Smith Cooper? Join us for an upcoming apprenticeship discovery event at our Derby office. It’s your chance to meet our expert team, ask questions about the apprenticeship process and learn more about the opportunities available for your child or student at our company.
Dates to be confirmed.