<p>My name is Sam Matthews and I’m an Accounts manager at Brooking Ruse. My role consists of running my own client portfolio which includes a wide range of businesses, as well as assisting the directors with their more complex clients. I also line manage our accounting apprentices.<img alt="Sam smiling at camera outside" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64556280-0558-4b5d-904d-b43fee6ab2c9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sam%20Smaller.jpg" /></p>

<p>I decided to become an accountant during my second year at university. I had visited Brooking Ruse on work experience whilst at school, which evolved into some paid seasonal work during the summer holidays – so it was a no-brainer when I was offered a graduate trainee role.</p>

<p>Accountancy involves a lot of maths, and this wasn’t something that I was initially interested in, or considered pursuing until I sat my GCSESs when I surprised myself with good grades! My interest in maths certainly developed over time after that.</p>

<p>Being an accountant is challenging but rewarding.</p>

<p>Becoming an accountant gives you access to a wide range of industry sectors and job roles. I knew that if I didn’t enjoy working in general practice then I could look to move into industry as a management accountant. I could also have chosen to specialise within a particular area such as audit, tax, or insolvency, etc.</p>

<p>Once you’ve done your bit it’s then time to communicate with the client. This can be a great opportunity to build professional relationships and meet people you’d have otherwise never met.</p>

<p>There are lots of great things about the job – I really enjoy meeting with clients to understand their goals and working with them to ensure they’re achieved. I’ve taken on a couple of clients recently who found themselves in a spot of bother – seeing the relief on their faces when the matters were resolved was a great feeling.</p>

<p>If you’re thinking of becoming an accountant, my advice is to go for it!</p>

<p>Accountancy qualifications are a passport to anywhere – every business needs someone financially-minded so there are infinite possibilities.</p>

<p>I also think there’s a myth that you need A Level or degree standard maths skills; you really don’t. What’s more important is being able to approach problems with logical and structured thinking…. our calculators do the sums for us!</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… like Sam you’d like to become an accountant, you can start your journey with our T Level in accountancy, click here to find out more.</a></p>

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<p>It’s our T Level Takeover Week! To kick things off, we thought we would take a look into the top 5 reasons why you should consider studying T Levels!</p>

<p>If you’re not sure what T Levels are, they are innovative courses designed to bridge the gap between academic and vocational education, and they will offer you a practical and industry-focused learning experience.</p>

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<p>Here are our top 5 reasons to study T Levels:</p>

<p><strong>1. They are a Direct Pathway to Employment</strong></p>

<p>One of the most significant advantages of pursuing T Levels is the direct pathway they offer to employment. T Levels are designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that the skills and knowledge acquired during the course align with the demands of the job market. By studying a T Level, you gain valuable practical experience and expertise in a specific industry sector, making you highly employable upon completion. Employers often value T Level qualifications due to their practical nature, making them a great choice for individuals seeking immediate career opportunities.</p>

<p><strong>2. Extensive Industry Placement Opportunities</strong></p>

<p>T Levels provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain real-world work experience through industry placements. These placements, lasting for a minimum of 315 hours, allow you to apply the skills and knowledge you've learned in the classroom to a professional setting. These hands-on experiences enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the industry, establish valuable connections, and enhance your employability. Industry placements also help you make informed decisions about your future career path, allowing you to explore different roles and industries before committing to a specific job.</p>

<p>We work with some amazing local employers that offer T Level learners placements too, from Hydrock to Suez – they are a fantastic way of developing your skills and CV, ready for your career.</p>

<p><strong>3. Higher Education Progression</strong></p>

<p>While T Levels are a fantastic option for students seeking direct entry into the workforce, they also provide a pathway to higher education. T Level qualifications are recognised by universities, and many institutions offer specific progression routes for T Level students. By completing a T Level, you can accumulate UCAS points, making you eligible for higher education courses. Whether you choose to pursue a degree related to your T Level or explore other fields, T Levels serve as a solid foundation, equipping you with practical skills and knowledge that can greatly enhance your university studies – especially if you are looking at degree apprenticeships.</p>

<p><strong>4. Enhanced Career Prospects</strong></p>

<p>In today's competitive job market, having a qualification that sets you apart is crucial. T Levels offer a unique opportunity to gain industry-recognised skills and qualifications, setting you up for long-term career success. Employers value the practical skills developed through T Levels, as they demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. With T Levels in your arsenal, you'll have a competitive edge over others in the job market, opening doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.</p>

<p><strong>5. Personal and Professional Development</strong></p>

<p>Studying T Levels not only equips you with practical skills but also fosters personal and professional development. T Level courses are designed to nurture transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. These skills are highly sought after in today's dynamic work environments, and T Levels provide an excellent platform to develop and showcase them. Moreover, T Levels instill confidence, independence, and a strong work ethic, preparing you to thrive in your chosen career and face the challenges of the ever-evolving job market.</p>

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<p>T Levels offer a refreshing and effective alternative to traditional academic pathways, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the workplace. Whether you're eager to jumpstart your career, gain valuable work experience, or progress to higher education, T Levels provide a versatile and future-ready qualification.</p>

<p>By choosing to study T Levels, you open the doors to a world of opportunities, enhancing your employability and setting the stage for a fulfilling and prosperous professional journey.</p>

<p>Embrace the chance to build practical skills, gain industry recognition, and be prepared for the demands of the modern workforce with T Levels.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… out more about our available T Levels, by clicking here.</a></p>