Accountancy firm enlists bumper intake of 17 apprentices as part of ongoing learning programme
A LEADING Cumbrian accountancy firm has supercharged its commitment to the ongoing learning and professional development of its staff – by enlisting 17 new apprentices.
Saint & Co offers a variety of apprenticeship programmes across four office bases in Cumbria to support people wanting to either start a career or develop their knowledge and qualifications within the industry.
The company has an annual apprenticeship programme, and this year widened its scope to provide more learning opportunities to a larger range of apprentices.
Four of the firm’s new apprentices are based in the company’s Ambleside office, with Jim Quinn and Olena Talailo studying towards their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 status, Nadine Harris towards her AAT Level 3 and Ross Huck is working towards his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.
Ross, 22, was supported through his AAT certification by the company, and he is grateful they have continued their encouragement as he aims at achieving his Chartered Accountant qualification at the end of the three-year course.
He said: “I started at Saint & Co two weeks after I completed my GCSEs to start my apprenticeship, and I was supported through my AAT Levels 2, 3 and 4 in conjunction with Kendal College. Ultimately, I’ve gone from one apprenticeship to another.
“The work experience I have gained during my time learning about the industry has been instrumental to my progress, and I’ve learned so much from my colleagues who have completed apprenticeships themselves now and are qualified.
“I’m so grateful for the ongoing support from the team at Saint & Co and I’m excited about where my career will lead with the company after I achieve my ACCA.”
In its latest intake, Saint & Co offered 10 apprenticeships at its Carlisle office, two in Whitehaven and Millom, and one in Wigton, in addition to the four at Ambleside.
The firm’s Student Training Partner, Sophie Graham, oversees the apprenticeship programme and said the bumper intake highlights Saint & Co’s desire to support people in their professional development journey, whatever route that might be.
She said: “Working with apprentices is very important to us as a company and we want to ensure that we offer wider career pathways for all, and not potentially miss out on somebody who doesn’t go down the more traditional route of a university degree.
“The majority of partners within Saint & Co who started with the company as students themselves, so we know first-hand how effective they can be as a starting point in somebody’s career.
“We often find apprentices bring a fresh perspective on things and make sure we are moving with the times, and the company is certainly feeling the benefits of working with so many apprentices.”
Saint & Co’s apprenticeship programme is aimed at adults of any age and experience.
Anyone wishing to apply for an apprenticeship with Saint & Co should send a CV and cover letter to Sophie Graham at sophie.graham@saint.co.uk.
