Hi, I’m Jo and I’m a Level 7 Accountancy Apprentice, training to be a Charted Accountant with Godfrey Wilson.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2025, I thought it a good time to take a step back and reflect on the last year and a half, what I have learnt and how I have grown both as a professional and as a person.
I am currently approaching the half way point of my ACA qualification which is a globally recognised qualification consisting of 15 exams, practical work experience, ethics and professional skills leading to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Studying towards the ACA qualification is providing a strong basis in technical knowledge, however completing this as part of the level 7 apprenticeship programme has also allowed me the opportunity to focus on the development of a range of other key skills, which will help me progress in my career and personal growth.
At Godfrey Wilson, we are supported by a team of fantastic colleagues many of whom are currently studying or have recently completed the same programme, and so are able to provide valuable support and guidance at all points along the way. We also benefit from tuition and support from training provider, First Intuition, who not only provide high quality tuition towards the ACA exams but also learning and development support, and a range of professional skills days to aid our development of key skills such as leadership, problem solving and decision making, and communication, all of which are vital to becoming a well rounded finance professional.
The theme of National Apprenticeship week 2025 is ‘Skills for Life’ – it is undeniable the apprenticeship is not just equipping me with job-specific skills but also helping me to navigate both personal and professional challenges with confidence and capability.
Three areas that stand out for me in terms of my development over the past 18 months are:
Confidence and Self-Belief – These skills permeate all areas of life, the responsibility given to us as apprentices from early on naturally builds confidence as we prove to ourselves and others that we can handle these challenges and succeed.
Self-Discipline and Accountability – Managing both work and study at the same time demands a high degree of self-discipline. Apprentices are held accountable not only to their employers but also to their own learning and development.Holding oneself accountable helps in building personal integrity, keeping promises, and taking ownership of decisions.
Resilience and Adaptability – Unexpected issues, setbacks and difficult projects are inevitable; the apprenticeship helps us learn how to recover from setbacks and adapt our approach dynamically as situations change.
In short, the apprenticeship programme has exceeded all of my expectations in terms of the breadth and depth of my learning and development and I look forward to seeing how I continue to learn and grow over the remainder of the scheme and into the future.
Godfrey Wilson runs apprenticeships in accounting (AAT & ACCA), audit (ACA) and payroll. If Jo’s story has inspired you, please get in touch to find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities or check out our vacancies page: https://godfreywilsonlimited.livevacancies.co.uk
