Apprenticeships – A career starter
To mark National Apprenticeship week, Josh Pike, a senior associate in Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance practice, talks about why they chose an apprenticeship to start their career.
I found out about the Deloitte’s BrightStart apprenticeship programme on their careers website and also on the GOV.uk site too. To me, it stood out from the others that I read about – I knew such a highly regarded firm could afford me many opportunities and the ability to shape my own pathway.
A great support structure
In the info I read about the programme, I noticed that the support structure was really highlighted, something I didn’t see when reading information about other firms. For example, I have an assigned exam manager and a coach within the business if I ever need to reach out to them for anything work or study related, something I have found incredibly useful. Furthermore, I have tutors and a learning coach focusing on my studies, wellbeing, and development.
A straightforward application
Thinking back to when I was looking at various options, I knew that Deloitte was one of the ‘Big 4’ professional services firms and had an inkling into the opportunities that it could provide and gave it a shot by applying. I found the application straightforward, and it focused on me as a person rather than what I already knew or could or couldn’t do. I really liked how personable it was.
An alternative to university
After A-Levels, I actually went to Cardiff University and studied chemistry for a year before deciding that it wasn’t for me. Personally, I learn much better when I can apply concepts to real-life scenarios and that’s why I knew an apprenticeship was the way forward. Also the ability to both study to a professional level and earn a wage at the same time was a major plus.
Working with clients
During the hiring process, I researched different areas of Deloitte’s business to help me decide which type of role I was interested in most. My research pointed me towards financial services audit, the team I’m now in, as I wanted an opportunity to work with large clients and with bigger teams. I had some prior exposure to financial services and thought this would be the most engaging and have the most career opportunities for me.
It’s a fast-paced environment and there is so much variety in both working life and studying! I also enjoy the technical aspects and learning in depth about how our clients operate.
The people factor
I was lucky to have offers from other firms but the thing that stood out to me at Deloitte was the people.
I went to a ‘get to know you’ event for new joiners in the June before I started, and this really sold it to me - everyone was so nice and, even though I didn’t know very much about audit or financial services, they answered all my questions.
I am now two years through a four-year apprenticeship and by the end I will be a chartered ACA accountant. I have travelled all over the UK with my work, such as Liverpool, Brighton, Dorset, and Stratford-upon-Avon to name a few! I even had a great opportunity to go to Stockholm for an audit with one of my friends and colleagues. It was a great experience, especially as I had never been there before!
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is “Build the Future”.
#NAW2022 #BuildTheFuture #AskAnApprentice
Deloitte is a supporter of National Apprenticeship Week. By sharing our stories, we would like to encourage other employers to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and at the same time help them build a workforce ready for the future.
You can find out more on our apprenticeship programmes on our careers pages – we offer both higher and entry level apprenticeships.
Deloitte's virtual Spring careers festival
Deloitte’s virtual Spring careers festival is underway - a programme of virtual events that potential applicants can join, as well as parents, teachers and careers advisors. It’s open to everyone and focused on helping you learn more and make career decisions. Events range from discover sessions, where people can chat online with Deloitte people about different opportunities at our firm, upskill sessions – on demand or live – to boost your strengths or find out more about our assessment process, as well as ‘Meet Deloitte’ sessions.
Find out more here.
