<p>Our collaboration with <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">AAT </a>provides the perfect blend of learning, between Online and On-Campus, to allow you to gain your qualification in Accounting. Another great delivery of this course is through the Apprenticeship, where you'll spend time both in the classroom and in the workplace. This flexible approach means apprentices can choose how, when and where they want to study.</p><p>We heard from Michelle, who completed the AAT Apprenticeship, and told us about her experience!</p><h3>Why did you decide to study an AAT?</h3><p>After my daughter was born (I was 28 at that time) I had an opportunity to work as an accounts assistant carrying out basic bookkeeping. I knew if I wanted further my career in the accounting industry I would require a qualification. Weston College was offering Level AAT courses which I attended during one day each week. I completed Level 2,3 and 4 at Weston college with the encouragement from my tutor, Sarah. Even during the pandemic, Weston college helped support us with online sessions.</p><h3>Did your employers offer you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or was this something you decided to complete?</h3><p>It was my own decision to pursue the AAT qualification as I had self-doubted and low self-esteem when it came to my education. But, I knew there was more for me out in the world and AAT would open so many doors for my future.</p><h3>How did you find the apprenticeship?</h3><p>From the support &amp; encouragement from both my tutor Sarah and class friends it felt like a great achievement. I’m really proud to have completed my AAT however it was down to my hard work and dedication. I also have made friends for life through the classes.</p><h3>How long did it take to complete?</h3><p>I completed level 2,3 &amp; 4 over 3 years.</p><h3>How often did you have to complete apprenticeship work?</h3><p>I juggled all my study time around family life, especially considering I had a new born, and it was tough. I spent the majority of my evenings and weekends revising, but I made sure to make time. Each AAT exam will test your knowledge and it’s not just multiple selection boxes, AAT want you to know the understanding behind the question and how you have come to the decision you’ve made. Working in an accounting environment, it’s really important you have the understanding and knowledge to be able to advise and back up your decisions with the correct information.</p><h3>How have you utilised the skills you developed during the apprenticeship?</h3><p>All the skills that I developed on the course have been utilised, from double entry bookkeeping, payroll, Excel and accounting software.</p><h3>Since completing the apprenticeship, has it helped you to progress your career?</h3><p>Since completing my AAT, and becoming MAAT, all thanks from the support of Weston College, I have set up my own bookkeeping practice called Michelle Clarks Advanced Bookkeeping Services, as well as working for a really cool accounting firm in Weston Super Mare called “Neil’s Data Consultancy”. Having the support from not only an employer and as well as being my own boss, I have the best of both worlds that works for me. I enjoy meeting new clients and being able to encourage them to grow their own business.</p><h3>Were there any specific highlights of the apprenticeship?</h3><p>Attending my Graduation at Weston College was the biggest highlight and made me reflect on the hard work I put in to the AAT course. Wearing the gown and having a day of celebration felt amazing. Weston College went above and beyond for our graduation, celebrating everyone’s achievements.</p><h3>What would you say to someone considering following in your footsteps?</h3><p>Do it, don’t hold back. I recommend the apprenticeship to anyone to gain their AAT qualification at Weston College, it can open so many career paths for your future.</p><p>Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If the dreams for your future don't scare you, they aren’t big enough!</p><p><em>Michelle</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">If you're interested in learning more about AAT qualifications, click here!</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">UCW Engineering Degree</a> Apprentice, Jared Newnham, has been named the <a href="https://www.theiet.org/">Institution of Engineering and Technology’s</a> (IET) Apprentice winner.</p><p>At age 20, Ministry of Defence Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice, Jared, is currently undertaking a placement as an Airworthiness Certification Manager, where he is responsible for increasing air system operational capabilities through risk reduction and type design change embodiment. As part of his apprenticeship, Jared created a robust, regulatory compliant procedure that has been used for multiple complex technical queries and is being rolled out to all projects within the Delivery Team.</p><p>Jared’s apprenticeship is delivered through University Centre Weston (UCW) in partnership with <a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk/">UWE, Bristol</a>. The course offers apprentices just like Jared the opportunity to combine full-time paid work with part-time academic study. All engineering courses at UCW are delivered in the fantastic facilities on offer at our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/why-choose-us/campuses-and-facilities/south-we… West Skills Campus</a>. This ensures students like Jared have access to the highest of industry-standard facilities, in order to learn and develop inside and outside of the classroom.</p><p>In addition to his main duties, Jared has become a keen advocate for engineering within the local community, coordinating an outreach event to promote careers to sixth form students and mentoring struggling classmates. Outside of work, Jared has a keen interest in exploring the outdoors through hikes and amateur astronomy.</p><p>On receiving the award, Jared said: “I can’t believe that I’ve been chosen as the IET’s Apprentice winner for 2022. There are so many apprentices doing great things across engineering so to be given this award makes me really proud.</p><p>“For anyone thinking about taking up a career in STEM, I would definitely recommend looking into apprenticeships. My placement with the Ministry of Defence has led to so many incredible opportunities which I will look back on fondly and which will hopefully lead to a long and enjoyable career.”</p><p>The IET Achievement Awards exist to recognise individuals from all over the world who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of engineering, technology and science in any sector. This can be through research and development in their respective technical field or through their leadership of an enterprise.</p><p>Professor Bob Cryan, IET President said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Jared who has been making great waves in the world of engineering despite being so early on in his career. It is inspiring to see that Jared is using his passion for STEM to help teach others about the opportunities available to them, increasing awareness amongst members of his local community.</p><p>“Each of the award finalists demonstrated an exceptional level of skill and knowledge, spanning beyond their roles which made judging extremely difficult. All have taken on challenging projects and thanks to their creativity and resolve, have had a positive impact in their companies. I wish all of them the best of luck for a rewarding engineering career ahead.”</p><p>The Achievement Awards are part of the IET’s Awards and Scholarships programme, which celebrate excellence and research in the sector and encourage the next generation of engineers and technicians. All IET awards seek to inspire and reward engineering excellence, including apprentices at the start of their careers, through to reputable, established professional engineers and technicians.</p><p>Amazing work Jared!</p>

<p>My name is Jack, and I completed my Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Weston College in July 2022– which was sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.</p><p>I applied directly for my role with the Ministry of Defence, who in turn had arranged for their apprenticeship to be delivered through Weston College. After completing my A-Levels I took a few years away from education to pursue a volunteering role overseas, and upon my return to the UK was looking at ways to follow my desires to become an engineer. Exploring my options, including a ‘conventional’ University course, I discovered the world of degree apprenticeships and was excited by the opportunity to learn academic theory and see its direct application in the workplace. The prospect of earning a wage whilst doing so was just an added bonus!</p><p>The degree apprenticeship benefited me in ways that my friends who completed conventional degrees never could; to explore the breadth and depth of my chosen discipline both with academics, and with working professionals. Additionally, I was given the opportunity from day 1 of my studies to contribute to and deliver work for my employer that was of real-world significance and consequence, not purely academic exercises. Being able to work whilst studying also enabled me to reaffirm that engineering was a discipline that I wished to pursue professionally.</p><p>Being an apprentice brings a plethora of benefits, ranging from the opportunities to gain practical experience, to being prepared for the world of work. Qualifying for student discount and getting paid to learn are rather nice perks too!</p><p>Furthermore, working for the Ministry of Defence provided some once in a lifetime opportunities, ranging from seeing Submarines in construction, to going out on Operations with the NATO Submarine Rescue System, and travelling internationally to work with colleagues around the world. The mentoring and support that the MOD provided, and the encouragement to pursue personal development was really helpful and enabled me to undertake additional studies at university, whilst also engaging in STEM outreach work with the Nuclear Institute.</p><p>As this was a new course, and I was part of the first cohort to be sponsored through Weston College by the MOD, there was a steep learning curve. Both for us, and the staff through the five years of the scheme. In addition to the cultural changes to learn, trying to learn Nuclear engineering wasn’t without its difficulties. However, despite challenges and setbacks we, my friends and I, were able to complete the scheme and we all graduated and have been able to take up full time employment.</p><p>Since completing the degree apprenticeship, I've taken up a role with Rolls-Royce Submarines, where I work as a mechanical engineer. This is an exciting role which I'm deeply enjoying, and one that my apprenticeship helped prepare me for.</p><p>Completing a degree apprenticeship is a really rewarding (and challenging!) way of furthering your own education and competencies. There are more and more opportunities for degree apprenticeships becoming available every year, and so it’s certainly worth considering! Take time to research your potential employer, and the apprenticeship standard, to make sure it aligns with what you want to do. If you find a good fit, then there is no better way of getting into the world of work whilst continuing your education.</p><p>Apprenticeships have the power to unlock doors, provide opportunities and prepare you for the workplace in ways that universities don’t. If there is an opportunity to pursue your aspirations through an apprenticeship, then I cannot stress enough how seriously you should consider going down the apprenticeship route.</p><p><em>Jack</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… you would like to follow in Jack's footsteps and complete a degree apprenticeship, you can check out our courses, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/weston-college-enrol-300-apprentices-50-d… you're an employer and would like to employ someone like Jack, you can do so through our 300 in 50 campaign. Find out more, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p>