In-house Apprentice Thriving at East Sussex College

East Sussex College apprentice, Alfie Carr, has been working in the finance department as an apprentice and has big plans for the future.

East Sussex College works collaboratively with employers to deliver the job training and qualifications that apprentices need to complete their learning programme. The College also has ‘in-house’ roles for apprentices to embark on.

This National Apprenticeship Week, the College caught up with Alfie to explore the benefits of an Apprenticeship and hear how it has helped him so far on his journey through the finance industry.

“I decided to study for an Apprenticeship because I wanted real world experience,” said Alfie. “I could’ve continued doing Level 3 and Level 4 AAT, but I decided to do an Apprenticeship so I get more [hands-on] experience - instead of sitting in the classroom five days a week. I prefer to have a mixture of both!

“I’ve definitely learnt how to work well in a team alongside lots of other people, and I’ve expanded my knowledge in different areas. I’m very familiar with finance systems, I’ve worked with a purchase ledger and I’ll be working with a sales ledger, doing budgets and supporting that team.”

Alfie added, “After my Apprenticeship, I’d like to go on to do ACCA and then become a chartered accountant and get that qualification. In the meantime, I’d like to stay here and finish my Level 4 Apprenticeship.”

Summarising the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship, Alfie said, “It’s really good to do an Apprenticeship because you actually gain real world experience and employers would like to see that you have had that experience instead of just getting your qualifications and doing it all in a classroom.

“I’ve been here for about two years now, so I’ve gained a lot of experience through this Apprenticeship. I’ve also worked in a variety of job roles/areas, giving me experience in different teams in finance.”

If you’re interested in doing an Apprenticeship at East Sussex College, please click here to find all the information you need.