Member Article

Apprentice’s success adds up to a Valued career

A South Shields teenager is celebrating landing a full time job in the accountancy world thanks to careers advice and apprenticeship study offered by Gateshead College.

Victoria Green, 18, had no idea that balancing the books would add up to her ideal career when she first visited Gateshead College. She has now landed a full time accountancy apprenticeship with Durham-based firm, Valued Accountancy after impressing bosses during a work placement.

The teenage student started at the college in 2013 on a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business and was introduced to her new employer by her course leader.

Victoria said: “I really enjoyed my work placement and it made me realise what career path I wanted to take. All of the staff at Valued have made me feel really welcome and have become great mentors.

“My tutors at Gateshead College were really encouraging and there was plenty of opportunity to network and talk to different business people about career options. We attended and organised a lot of different events and challenges, including a great Dragons’ Den style event where we pitched business ideas to our tutors, which really helped build our confidence.”

During her time at Valued, Victoria has already begun learning about the Xero Software System, how to carry out bank analysis and general accountancy duties while working towards an AAT Level 2 qualification, awarded by the Association of Accounting Technicians.

Victoria continued: “I have learned a lot already, and the aspect of earning as you learn is great too. That’s something which really attracted me to an apprenticeship because I can work my way up the career ladder, keep studying and gaining qualifications whilst earning a wage.”

Stephen Paul, owner and director at Valued Accountancy said: “Victoria really impressed us during her work placement, she was enthusiastic and work ready which is refreshing for someone of her age.

“We’re currently showing her the ropes and she is coming on leaps and bounds. We’ve gained a valuable member of staff and we’re looking forward to seeing her progress further.

“We have a great relationship with Gateshead College and would definitely recommend their students. The teachers are focused on preparing their students for work and ensure that you are put in touch with the best candidates for you and your business.”

Gateshead College recently became just one of only two FE colleges in the country to receive the top rating of ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The inspectors were impressed with the college’s approach to giving students an employment edge - a unique combination of high quality education and the real world skills employers look for.

To find out more about Gateshead College please visit the advice and enrolment days running every weekday from September 1 until September 11 to discuss your education and career aspirations. They’re being held at various locations and full course information, as well as details of which campus to visit for your chosen subject, are listed on www.gateshead.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead College .