An increasingly popular study option, apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience while studying towards an industry-recognised qualification and earning a wage. They're available across a range of sectors, from accounting, business and law, to construction, engineering and transport. To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we caught up with Old Viking Johnny Yulhanson-Hutchins (21S), who is currently in his first year of a four-year apprenticeship with BDO LLP.
Tell us more about the apprenticeship programme that you are on?
I am completing a level 7 ATT/CTA apprenticeship with BDO LLP. This is a tax apprenticeship and before you say it, no, I am not 'the tax man'. I am based in their London office on Baker Street, which I travel to every day. The apprenticeship is designed so that I’m at work during the week and I receive chunks of days off where I am enrolled on specific courses to prepare me for upcoming exams.
As I have not attended university, I joined BDO as a school leaver. This means I am enrolled on a four-year course. My first year is dedicated to completing the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT – Level 4) qualification. The subsequent three years are then aimed at achieving the highly respected Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA – Level 7) accreditation. All of the courses and exams are paid for by BDO and they also pay me!
What made you want to apply for an apprenticeship?
The idea of attending university was never much of an appealing one. Working towards a qualification that's a level higher than those at university was a no-brainer - it’s very encouraging knowing you will receive the equivalent to a master’s degree with no debt. Apprenticeships enable you to be amongst the day-to-day running of a business, enabling you to gain the highly sought after 'experience' that graduates have missed out on.
What was the application process like?
The application process was similar to that of other apprenticeships (roughly 4 months). It began with the submission of my CV and proof of grades. This was then followed by an online questionnaire testing my mathematical and literacy ability. After the first two stages, I was offered the chance to attend an (online) assessment centre. The assessment centre was pretty much a full day of tests and interviews, ranging from team building exercises to individual presentations. After completing all the tasks, to my delight, I was contacted a couple of days later to be informed that I had successfully got the job!
What Sixth Form subjects did you study and how did they prepare you for an apprenticeship?
I studied Media, Psychology and Economics. Certain aspects of these courses were difficult in their own right; however, A Levels are often described as a bigger step-up from GCSEs than the jump from college to university. Any A Level will prepare you for an apprenticeship! I felt that Economics would broaden my understanding of how the financial side of the world works. I chose Psychology to complement the opposing side, as the study of mind and behaviour would explain why people do certain things. Finally, I chose Media Studies because I liked the idea of becoming a star-studded celebrity like Johnny Vegas - we have the same first name for a reason!
How do you feel you compare to your peers who are at university completing their degrees?
Comparing to people at university is quite difficult. I think it comes down to what you prefer and what career you wish to do. For example, there are some occupations that require you to go to university. However, employers are beginning to offer more and more opportunities in the form of apprenticeships. I think that apprenticeships are amazing, as they allow you to gain experience, achieve a qualification, and get paid. An added bonus is that you get a head-start to your career.
I do think apprenticeships are vastly different to university. For example, you will be working throughout the week and studying in your spare time compared to that of university. However, if you’re able to master the ability to manage your time, you will find yourself having a nice balance of work, study, and free time.
What advice would you give to a pupil who is considering applying for an apprenticeship?
I must admit my choices of A Level subjects do not appear to be best suited towards an apprenticeship in tax. However, that is what’s great about not only apprenticeships but BDO as an employer. The A Levels that you are studying towards do not determine what path you then take out of school, although it is great if you know exactly what you want to work towards job-wise at school. However, this is not expected. Therefore, lots of school-leaver apprenticeships look to hire individuals that show the ability to develop, and the drive to excel themselves.
When applying, make sure to do your research on the company! This is vital as it shows you have an interest in what the company’s values are along with what it stands for. Furthermore, any experience is valuable! Whether it’s a part-time job or volunteering, it will help you stand-out compared to the other candidates. Finally, as cliché as it is, be yourself!
If you are interested in a similar apprenticeships like mine, within a professional services firm, BDO offer Audit, Advisory and Tax opportunities. Click here for more information: Students (bdo.co.uk)
