Straight after my A-levels, I took an unconventional route - I chose not to go to university and instead pursued an apprenticeship. To be honest, I had no clue what I wanted to do, and going into debt for a degree I might not even enjoy seemed counterintuitive to me. I’ve always been a logical thinker and therefore the obvious thing for me was to be able to learn and earn on the job at the same time. I always got a buzz out of learning, and still very much do which is why I knew that I didn’t want to just stop study, even now every day is a learning day.
I’ve always enjoyed logical, strategic thinking and working with numbers, so I decided to give accountancy a go—and I’m so glad I did. I started as an AAT accounts apprentice in conjunction with Sweeney Miller Law and Northern Skills. From the beginning, I was eager to develop not only my technical expertise but also the essential soft skills like communication and teamwork. Today, I’m pleased to say that my hard work paid off and that I am now the Accounts Assistant Manager within the firm.
Choosing My Own Path
Looking back, I am incredibly happy that I ignored those who doubted my decision—family, friends, and teachers who insisted that I needed a degree to be successful. They were wrong! That’s not to say university is the wrong choice for everyone, but for me, it would have been. Some of the very people who questioned my decision have since admitted they wish they had taken the same route—smug moment? Absolutely! Of course, one big difference with the apprenticeship route is missing out on the traditional student lifestyle. But for me, that was never an issue. If I’m being honest, the university social scene — too many people, too much noise – is just not my thing, and it wouldn’t have suited me back then either. I was more focused on gaining experience and progressing in my career, and I have zero regrets about that choice.
Beginning my journey at just 18, I was shy and lacked confidence, (my first test was being in an actual work environment). Fast forward to today, and I’m a completely different person. While I may still struggle when it comes to talking about me and how I feel, I have however gained immense confidence in professional settings allowing me to build strong working relationships, steer a team in the right direction, as well as being able to contribute valuable insights relevant to the role—all thanks to the apprenticeship.
Throughout my AAT journey, I was pushed out of my comfort zone, but that’s exactly what helped me grow. I wanted to prove, not just to myself but to others around me that you can succeed in the corporate world without a degree, and I think I have done just that.
My Career Milestones
Since completing my apprenticeship, I’ve continued to push myself and seek new challenges. Here are some of the milestones I’ve achieved thanks to the AAT apprenticeship scheme:
Career Progression & Leadership
Sharing Knowledge & Giving Back
Industry Recognition & Growth
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Future!
It may sound like I’ve done a lot—and that’s because I have! But it all comes down to one thing: passion. I love what I do, and I am happy to have walked the path of which I have.
If you’re unsure about taking the apprenticeship route, and you have people telling you it’s the wrong choice—don’t listen to them. Put yourself first. I know that’s easier said than done, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
And my final piece of advice? Enjoy the journey. You only get one shot at it—make it count.
