Nurturing future finance leaders and changing career trajectories
National Apprenticeship Week means a lot to us at flinder and we’re here to make the most of the it. Of course, we’ll be celebrating with the team, but we’re also here to recognise the progress, growth, and power of structured apprenticeships in the accounting and finance sector, and beyond. We’ll also be shining a light on our own apprentices here at flinder and hearing how apprenticeships are transforming their lives and careers.
flinder CEO, Alastair Barlow, explained how:
National Apprenticeship Week is more than an annual event for us. It’s a chance to celebrate our hard-working team and reinforce our commitment to nurturing talent, driving innovation, and contributing to the broader community.
Apprenticeships at flinder aren't just jobs
They're opportunities for success and real progression. We're proud to offer well-structured apprenticeships that help and support our team in their careers. Not every sector can provide the structure that we can at flinder, and we recognise that our apprentices are a vital part of our business. Our apprenticeships open doors for opportunity and progression, offering a fresh start for those looking to change or begin careers. For some young job-seekers, choosing an accounting and finance apprenticeship means starting a career without piling up university debt. For more experienced candidates, it's a chance for a new beginning with the potential for better earnings down the road.
Pip, FinOps Senior Associate said
I kicked off my journey at flinder, making a switch from the retail to finance. Opting for an apprenticeship seemed like the perfect route, letting me learn on the job while gaining valuable experience. I started with apprenticeships for AAT levels 3 and 4 achieving ‘qualified accountant’ status, and now I am on an ACCA apprenticeship through First Intuition working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.
What I like about apprenticeships is their flexibility, tailored to fit each person's journey. I quickly found that learning from online materials was not the most beneficial for me, and in-person sessions were the secret to my exam success so far. Balancing full-time work and learning demands serious time and commitment in the short-term, but in the knowledge that the long term benefits for my career, skill and ability will be invaluable.
We’re not the only ones who recognise the value and power of apprenticeships
We’re lucky to have a community around us who also want to invest in the future of young people and career changers. Take Barking & Dagenham council, they recently offered support to one of our apprentices who is a resident of theirs through a levy transfer – it’s a win-win for everyone. We’ve also been gifted levy donations from Lloyds Banking Group, which allows us to support even more young people progress their careers in finance.
Ben, FinOps Associate said:
I've been with flinder for about a year, and being an apprentice here has been quite the experience. They're all about giving you the tools to succeed. We have 40 days off a year dedicated to studying, revision and exams, whether you prefer in-person, online, or on-demand learning. flinder has a unique setup with our training provider, First Intuition, so I'm tackling both AAT and ACCA as one apprenticeship.
But it doesn't stop there. They're big on training, offering many opportunities and progression across my portfolio of clients. It's a continuous learning journey with regular development sessions. This has been invaluable. I've gained so much knowledge that will serve me well in the future. It's definitely setting me up for success in my career path.
How apprenticeships uniquely benefit young people
Our apprentices not only receive study support whilst completing their exams but are immersed in a hands-on learning environment when at work. This practical approach accelerates their understanding of finance, giving them a head start in the real world whilst they complete their studies. The mentorship they receive helps them navigate challenges and build confidence early on in their careers. We've witnessed first-hand how this combination of practical experience and mentorship empowers our young apprentices to make meaningful contributions, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to flinder.
Luke, our COO, agrees:
Apprenticeships are crucial to our workforce. They bring new outlooks, diverse talents, and contribute significantly to the flinder vision.
So, as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re recognising the real impact of apprenticeships on all individuals and businesses, not just at flinder. The stories of Ben, Pip, and many of our other apprentices show how hard-work and opportunity come together. Their journeys speak volumes about the transformative power of apprenticeships, not just as pathways to careers but as catalysts for growth and innovation.
