Haines Watts say that apprenticeships are not the only route for a successful career, and are praising their young staff members.
As National Apprenticeship Week arrives (6 - 12 February), Haines Watts are celebrating two young adults who have taken on roles as audit and accounts trainees through a traineeship and a university placement.
20-year-old Shalini Roy is a former student of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and is studying for a degree in accountancy and management at the University of Reading. She’s completed two years of her course and is now doing a year’s placement before returning to complete her final year at the end of 2023.
She said: “Working at Haines Watts has been a really good experience as the entire team are friendly and welcoming. Every day you learn something new, even if it’s a tiny Excel trick. I have gained knowledge in preparing year end accounts for clients and VAT returns with the assistance of my helpful colleagues.
“I have also done many bookkeeping jobs. Even smaller jobs like completing a cashbook analysis, posting a trial balance, or finishing a tax analysis is enjoyable as these are jobs that they don’t teach you at university.
“I will continue to develop new skills and gain more knowledge in the upcoming months. I believe I will be able to apply this in my studies and I will be able to share my knowledge with my friends studying the same course as me.”
18-year-old Ryan Leigh is young member of the Haines Watts team. He was a former student of The Ridgeway School, Wroughton, near Swindon.
He said: “After leaving school at 16, I went straight into the finance industry completing my level 2 AAT qualification elsewhere. Haines Watts has offered an open and welcoming atmosphere that has allowed me to comfortably become part of the team and become a valued member of the workplace.
“Over the coming years, I would like to earn my Level 3 and 4 AAT qualifications and move into a position where I can offer those who are new to the company the support and guidance I have received. Overall, I would like to be in a position where I hold some responsibility and leadership as I believe I thrive as a leader and can bring new and exciting leadership qualities to the table.”
Mike Lloyd, managing partner of Haines Watts Swindon, says he is an advocate of bringing young talent into the company and also the sector as a whole.
Mike added: “We need young people coming through and all accountancy firms can play a part in encouraging and nurturing the accountants of tomorrow. I had that support when I was younger, and you never forget those who support you and mentor you in the early days of your career.”
Those looking to find out more about working with the Haines Watts team can attend their stand at the UK Careers Fair at the County Ground in Swindon on Wednesday 29 March, or can get in touch via their website at: https://www.hwca.com/accountants-swindon/
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