Graduate Apprenticeships
Graduate Apprentice David Kemp
Apprenticeships have been a concept in the UK for almost a thousand years, but Graduate Apprenticeships are still a relatively new idea. First introduced in Scotland in 2016 as a step up from a Modern Apprenticeship, a Graduate Apprenticeship involves working a full-time job whilst studying for a university degree. You earn while you learn and gain a full degree with invaluable work experience. Candidates can study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree and may also study for a professional qualification. Graduate Apprentices (GA’s) in the accounting sector study first for a degree and then work to become Chartered through ICAS or ACCA.
What is covered in the first year?
Reaching the end of the first year out of five being an Accounting Graduate Apprentice at Thomson Cooper, it has been really enjoyable so far. The first-year curriculum covers various subjects: business management, an introduction to financial and management accounting, business finance and economics, and developing professional excellence. Throughout the year you are tasked with various work-based learning activities which enhance your work and study knowledge and improve meta skills. You are also tasked with creating an online portfolio, which gets worked on all year, showcasing these learning activities as well as personal and professional achievements.
One-to-one support
The Graduate Apprentice route has many benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks to consider. Being paid to study one day each week really motivates you to do your best, instead of feeling like you are being forced to do it out of your own time, which can be discouraging. You are taught so many things during your work experience which help with your studies, and vice versa. And you get your own experienced mentor who can provide you with one-to-one support whenever you need it and assist you throughout your work and university life. However, the mostly online courses allow for little connection with any other students, and it is hard to make friends. It is also difficult to balance a full-time job and studying for a university degree, on top of everything else going on in your life.
Being a Graduate Apprentice is so much better than I thought it would be. While it is busy, the chaos is enjoyable. I have received outstanding training and support from both Thomson Cooper and RGU so far, I can’t wait to see what year 2 brings.
