For most of us, our career pathway is full of twist and turns as we look for the route that’s right for us. For Izzy, the apprenticeship route has proven to be a great way to launch her accountancy career.
Izzy took some time out of her busy day to tell us about her first year as an apprentice at Maslins. For her, it’s been a rewarding blend of studying, real-world experience, and personal growth.
Before Maslins, she had explored a few different avenues. “I never really thought about apprenticeships at school,” she explains. “There was a strong push towards university. But when that didn’t work out, I started looking for alternatives.” She started in a role in payroll, and from there, she discovered the world of accountancy apprenticeships.
While other companies offered similar programmes, it was Maslins that caught her eye. “They weren’t actively hiring when I applied, but after a coffee and a chat about the role, it just felt like the right fit,” she recalls.
Balancing work and study
Like most apprenticeships, Izzy’s role requires a delicate balance between her job and studies. Her time is divided between working in the office, attending college, and focused study. “I attend college for a few days here and there, and study as and when I need to. It’s a flexible setup, and it works for me.”
Her apprenticeship provider, First Intuition, supports her throughout the process. “I have a mentor, Scott, who helps with the apprenticeship side of things, while the team at Maslins offers guidance on the practical elements,” says Izzy. “Everyone here is really supportive, whether it’s advice from the team or a more formal check-in.”
When asked what a typical day looks like, Izzy laughs. “There’s no such thing as a typical day! It depends on what I’m working on – whether I’m in college, preparing accounts, or helping out with something like VAT reviews or liquidation work. But one thing is constant: I’m always learning.”
Applying theory to practice
One of the standout benefits of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world context. “It’s great to see how everything I’ve studied about in theory really applies to what we do in practice,” she explains.
And it’s not just the technical side of accountancy that Izzy has gained. “Working with clients, communicating with colleagues, and learning how a business runs from the inside – that’s something you can’t fully grasp in a classroom setting,” she adds. “At Maslins, there’s a real emphasis on teamwork and transparency. As an employee-owned business, you feel a deeper level of involvement.”
Progressing at speed
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. But for Izzy, she’s been managing the workload and ensuring she remains on top of her exams. “The exams are ‘on-demand,’ meaning you take them when you’re ready,” she says. “It’s a bit less structured, but it’s recommended you take them within two to four weeks of studying to stay on track.”
That flexibility has allowed her to thrive, balancing work, study, and exams. “I’ve already passed several exams, like Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Corporate Law,” Izzy says. “The apprenticeship a three year course, with 13 exams to get through. But with the support I get, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.”
More than just a qualification
Earning while learning is another big advantage of the apprenticeship route. “It’s definitely nice to be able to afford things and not be in debt,” Izzy admits. “If I had gone down the university path, I would’ve needed to take additional exams to be fully qualified anyway. But here, I’m learning, earning and gaining practical experience at the same time.”
Izzy has also developed skills she may not have gained in a purely academic environment. “People skills are huge,” she says. “You can’t learn how to talk to clients from a textbook. You have to be in the role, dealing with real clients, real situations. And teamwork – being able to work well with others, especially in a collaborative, supportive place like Maslins – has been invaluable.”
The future looks bright
Looking ahead, Izzy is excited about what’s to come. “I’m working towards becoming a fully qualified accountant through ACCA, and at the end of my apprenticeship, I’ll have a Level 7 qualification,” she says. “It’s not just about getting the qualification; it’s about developing as a person and as a professional. I’ve already seen that growth.”
Her advice for anyone considering an accountancy apprenticeship is clear: “Do it. But make sure you have a supportive environment, whether that’s the company or the people around you. It makes all the difference.”
And as for what’s been the most unexpected part of the journey so far? “I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve learned and how enjoyable it is,” Izzy reflects. “You go into it expecting to learn, but you don’t realise just how much there is to take in. The balance between work and study makes it all the more enjoyable.”
Looking ahead
Izzy is excited about what’s to come. “I’m working towards becoming a fully qualified accountant through ACCA, and at the end of my apprenticeship, I’ll have a Level 7 qualification,” she says. “It’s not just about getting the qualification; it’s about developing as a person and as a professional. I’ve already seen that growth.”
