As you know, Hertfordshire based HB Accountants is passionate about apprenticeships. We have won local and regional awards for our bespoke accountancy apprenticeship programme, 42% of our team are apprentices or former apprentices, and we often give talks in schools, colleges and to businesses about the benefits of apprentices. We also sponsor a trainee accountant in Zambia with her tertiary studies. Needless to say, we are very excited that National Apprenticeship week is nearly upon us as it delivers a great opportunity to share our latest apprentice news and encourage you to also consider how an apprentice will benefit your business.
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest week in the apprenticeships and skills calendar. This year, it takes place between 10-16 February with lots of online and in person events that bring together everyone who is passionate about apprenticeships. The theme this year is ‘Skills for Life’, which covers everyone in work training: from apprentices to T-Level students.
Why HB Accountants is investing in accountancy studies for young people
We took on our first apprentice over 12 years ago when we could see firsthand the demand for opportunities to learn from real-life experience. We developed our own apprenticeship scheme to teach the skills that our industry needs and our clients demand. Since then, apprenticeships have gained in popularity across many industries, and governments are now heavily promoting their benefits. We can proudly share that we have supported 16 apprentices to develop new skills and gain a plethora of experience that has enabled them to move onto careers both within and outside of the accountancy world.
We recognise that young people in other countries may not have access to the same opportunities as our people in the UK. After a great deal of research and due diligence, we have committed to supporting Gertrude through the African Impact Foundation. For Gertrude, there is the potential for positive long term impact for her, and for her community as she gains skills that will bring in much-needed money and that she can share across her community.
T-Level accountancy work experience
T-Levels are a relatively new qualification for 16-18 year olds. Their focus is on vocational skills, with T Level students spending 80% of their course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need and the other 20% in a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.
HB Accountants is pleased to have welcomed a T-Level accounting student from Broxborne school to join our team for their 45-day placement. The placement started in January – read more about Alice and her T Level journey on our website.
T-Levels have been designed to help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. The placement gives students valuable experience in the workplace whilst we get to meet potential new apprentices and accountants of the future.
Congratulations to Callum Morgan
After seven years training through our apprenticeship programme, Callum is now a full qualified Chartered Accountant. Through hard work, tenacity and accompanied by a great sense of humour, Callum fully deserves this reward and we are pleased that he has chosen to remain as a member of our Team HB!
Say hello to our apprentices!
We’re always proud to share how our apprentices are getting on with their training. There are currently 7 apprentices on our training programme all at different stages of their training.
Abby is now Level 4 qualified and working towards her Chartered status.
Max has completed Level 3 and is swiftly progressing through Level 4.
Cameron is now Level 2 qualified and Matt completed his business administration apprenticeship and has pivoted to becoming an accountancy apprentice. He is working towards his Level 2 along with Harrison and Gavin.
Sophie is our Business Administration apprentice, working towards Level 3.
We are so proud of the commitment and team work shown by all our apprentices and wish them all the best with their studies. If you or anyone you know is interested in an apprenticeship or work experience, please do not hesitate to contact us and do keep an eye on our careers and apprenticeships page on our website.
Sponsoring Gertrude in Zambia
Through the charity the Africa Impact Foundation, HB is sponsoring Gertrude, a university-level accountancy student in Zambia. Without money, children in her country cannot get an education without going into debt. When the Foundation first approached Gertrude, she had debts she could not repay, no shoes, no school bag, and no stationery. But she persevered thanks to the knowledge that through education, she could change her own life and that of her family. This is Gertrudes’ story.
Did you know that HB are Apprenticeship Award winners?
You may have missed it but we won another award in 2024 and remain as a Top 50 SME Apprentice Employer for the second year running.
We were so proud to be announced as East of England regional winners of the SME Employer of the Year at the Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, at the end of 2024!
This joins our other accolades including:
- Top 50 SME Apprentice Employer as recognised by the Department of Education in 2023 and 2024
- Hertford Regional College Apprentice Employer Award 2019: finalists
- Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2022 Apprenticeship Champion: highly commended
- Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2023 Apprenticeship Champion: finalist
How can you help?
We usually finish our blogs by asking how can we help you. The HB team is always available to support your accountancy needs and discuss ways to boost your productivity.
In honour of Apprenticeship week, we’re asking how can you help our young people start to learn new skills?
HB Accountants Experience in the Workplace Initiative
Could you offer work experience to a year 12? So many 16-17 year olds cannot find the week’s work experience that they need.
Brogan joined HB Accountants for 1 week during January this year. He was able to learn so many new skills including data management utilising MS Excel, understanding how MS Form can collect data, the importance of branding plus got to grips with many of HB Accountants software packages.
This is what Brogan had to say about his recent work experience with us.
I was nervous about joining HB Accountants for my week’s work experience, however, they were so welcomming and kind which really put me at ease.
I was suprised at how friendly their office environment was, which was great. I learnt their phone system and answered the phone confidently and spoke with their clients from day two!
I think it is great that HB Accountants are encouraging local businesses to join their “1 day in the workplace” student experience. I would definitely encourage other businesses to offer work experience to students because I feel I have learnt so much and my experience at HB Accountants has taught me that there are so many more jobs within a specific industry, that I hadn’t even thought about.
Thank you HB Accountants for having me.
HB Accountants Proud to Support T Level Students
Could you offer a 45 day placement to a T-Level student or an apprenticeship scheme?
Alternatively, you may be able to visit a school to talk about your personal experiences or what a day in your working life is like, offer interview experience, or mentor a student.
There are so many ways that we can help our young people to discover more about themselves and the opportunities that are on offer, and to give them a start with their career.
How can you help?
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors
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