Member Article

Ilkley accountants invest in future talent

A forward-thinking West Yorkshire-based chartered accountants is investing in the future generation of its profession by taking on talented apprentices.

Award-winning Wintersgill Associates is continuing its strategy to provide training and development for gifted youngsters with the recent appointment of accountancy apprentice, Andrew Rabbage (19).

The practice’s partnership with Craven College sees apprentices working closely with senior accountants to learn on the job skills while studying the theory behind accounting during day release at the college.

Ilkley-born Andrew, who joined the team in November 2016, said: “University was simply not for me. I’ve always wanted to get straight into a working environment ever since my school days. I’m learning how to work effectively in a team and undertake bookkeeping jobs efficiently, all while studying at the same time which is really exciting.

“I’m thriving in the friendly atmosphere here at Wintersgill Associates and the work I’m undertaking fits perfectly alongside my studies. I hope to complete level three and four of the advanced diploma in accounting with The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and progress on to my exams over the next 18 months.”

Andrew works alongside Jodie Verity (21) a former apprentice at the business and now AAT qualified accountant who holds a full time position and hopes to climb up the career ladder at Wintersgill Associates.

Lorraine Dunn, Apprenticeship Co Ordinator at Craven College, said: “Our apprentices have benefited greatly from achieving the AAT qualifications in college while gaining real life experience working with the Wintersgill Associates team and its clients. This has empowered the apprentices to gain the breadth of knowledge to enable them to work efficiently and professionally in their roles. By working together, we are supporting the chartered accountants of the future, helping them to succeed and progress in the workplace.”

With a study by The Centre for Economics and Business Research showing that an apprentice can grow a company’s productivity gains by £10k a year, managing director, Paul Wintersgill, has ensured its apprenticeship scheme is at the core of its strategy to grow the business.

Paul added: “As a company we’re investing heavily in the future of our industry by bringing in promising individuals and focusing on our apprenticeship development. Andrew is our fifth apprentice from Craven College in five years and we have been thrilled by the calibre of candidates we have employed. I’m a huge believer in giving opportunities to the next generation and Andrew has already shown great development bringing in fresh enthusiasm and raw talent which has benefited the whole team.”

The chartered accountants will continue its search for the bright young talent of tomorrow with the appointment of a second apprentice early this year.

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