2023 Apprenticeship Awards

Victor worked full time at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway in the accounts department while completing his Level 3 in Accountancy. He has since moved on to another company, CCICM where he has more opportunities for him to progress his career.

As well as a busy full-time job and apprenticeship study, Victor has also had a number of challenges to cope with on a personal level, he continued his apprenticeship in spite of these difficulties and was open, honest and professional throughout. He has demonstrated strength and commitment to all aspects of his life.

Victor plays an active role in a support group set up by class members aimed at providing mutual support to others in the class - helping with questions about homework, class world and solving problems together. He seeks to gain a deep understanding of the modules being taught by looking for additional resources to support his learning.

Victor’s hard work paid off as he completed the AAT Level 3 with a distinction overall.

Natalie works for a chartered accountant, Williams Denton Cyf and throughout her Level 3 apprenticeship juggled working at home and going into work at dedicated times as well as studying.

Feedback from Natalie’s employer shows her to be a valued member of staff, she supported clients with financial advice through the pandemic and dealt with issues such as furlough payments grants and tax for a wide stakeholder group.

Throughout, Natalie was a high achiever, consistently gaining marks in the high 80% and 90%, so it was a surprise when she did not pass one of her final exams, missing out by just a few percent. It’s a testament to Natalie that she re-sat the exam at the next opportunity and returned a fantastic mark of 81%

Natalie has since progressed to the higher apprenticeship, her determination to not let any setbacks derail her is a testament to her determination.

Dawn is a worthy finalist for the Accountancy Apprentice of the Year because of her commitment to her studies and her ‘never give up’ attitude. She started her Level 3 in October 2020 after finishing her Level 2 in the midst of the Covid pandemic, throughout her studies she worked in a crucial role in the North Wales Fire Service as a Finance officer.

Demonstrating characteristic commitment to her job, Dawn worked flexibly between home and the office providing additional support to the organisation that enabled the continuation of this essential service in challenging times.

When it came to study Dawn found the Level 3 a challenge in terms of the time, she could dedicate to exam preparation. Despite not passing some of her exams the first time, Dawn worked hard to reach the required standard, with support she reviewed her results and put in the work that enabled her to pass, progress and develop her finance skills further.

Thanks to all her preparation, when it came to the end of year exam Dawn passed this at first attempt. Her positive attitude in a challenging environment, and the big improvements she made throughout the apprenticeship makes Dawn stand out amongst her peers.