These apprenticeships are proving you don’t always need university to make it in business

If you thought apprenticeships were for those who wanted to go into a trade, we’re about to blast some misconceptions out of the water.

Feel you have a future in business, but that university isn’t part of your plan? There’s a way to gain the experiences, skills and training to supercharge your career in a supportive and inclusive culture.

The best part? You’ll get paid at the same time.

We call that a win-win.

EY’s Business Apprenticeships are where school leavers gain valuable, on-the-job experience, work with local and global companies and finish with an industry-recognised qualification.

And two of the major programmes are in Assurance and Tax, which give you a Level 7 Apprenticeship – a Chartered Accountancy qualification which is an equivalent of a Master’s Degree.

Hannah Fox joined the Assurance Apprenticeship Programme in 2013 and has risen from being a junior member of the Assurance team to Senior Manager, where her role involves promoting trust and confidence in business and the capital markets within the audit practice, in EY’s Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction sector.

She spends her days meeting with clients and senior executives within the company, pitching for new business, and also working directly with apprentices coming through the same scheme she did, helping advise on ways the programme can evolve for students.

‘I knew the university route wasn’t what I wanted to do,’ Hannah says. ‘I had a real interest in business, but I wanted to be able to start earning alongside learning.’

After taking a year off after school following her A-Levels, Hannah went on to complete her apprenticeship in London gaining her ACA – a widely recognised qualification that means she’s now a chartered accountant.

As with all apprenticeships, her studies were paid for by EY, so she wasn’t tallying any university debts along the way.

Hannah split her days between college and working within the Assurance team on client projects and from day one she was in the field. She says the support network she found in her fellow apprentices, as well as her mentors and counsellors, ensured she was able to balance work and study.

‘At first, it’s daunting thinking about how to juggle work and college,’ Hannah says. ‘The scheme has been developed so you get the right level of support and time to study,’ with EY prioritising college and exams.

Hannah’s main piece of advice for those thinking of applying? Preparation is key.

She says: ‘For those coming from school, there is no expectation of work experience or being able to reference a job that you’ve previously done, but prepare to reflect on your strengths.

‘Call on personal experiences through school or personal life to show how you can demonstrate those strengths, whether it’s project management or communication skills, and how you’d approach certain situations. The application shouldn’t be a one-way conversation and you should have your own questions ready to ask.’

Apprentices are supported through communities, coaches, buddies and counsellors, with opportunities to seek out mentors or take part in after-work activities so they can build a network around them.

‘People joke they thought they’d turn up and be making the tea and coffee or photocopying, doing really basic admin tasks that don’t relate to client work,’ she says. ‘It’s the complete opposite from the very beginning.’

‘I really thought I was turning up to do an office job, nine to five. I didn’t envision the wider experience it would be,’ Hannah adds. ‘I hadn’t appreciated that you joined with a cohort of other apprentices, who will become an amazing support system.

‘Before I joined I was allocated a ‘buddy’, someone who’s the year above you, and is that more informal person that you can speak to and ask things like “What should I wear on my first day?” or, “What do you bring for lunch?”

‘Then I always had a counsellor more responsible for my development. In the company there are so many people with various backgrounds and experiences, I’ve been able to change and utilise who my counsellor is and get the most out of the experience for my career.’

Reflecting on the programmes, Hywel Ball, UK&I Regional Managing Partner and UK Chair says: ‘We recruit around 1,800 students every year across our, apprenticeships, undergraduate and graduate programmes with the aim of providing a wide range of entry routes to attract the broadest range of talent.

‘Our Business Apprenticeship provides students with a genuine alternative to a degree course with the opportunity to gain a qualification and kick start their career without the burden of student debt.’

In sharing her passion for the scheme, Hannah insists it was amazing to get involved in the business at such a young age, for those that feel university isn’t for them.

‘The learning opportunities surpass anything a university classroom offers. You’ll find that real-world experience is so impactful, and it’s something you can only gain by going out to work and doing it.’

EY’s Business Apprenticeships are in major cities including London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, and Southampton. Apply now at ey.com/uk/apprentices or find out more – search ‘EY Apprentices’.