Trainee accountant David counts careers support as route to a bright future
Teenager David Kemp was planning for university as a step into finance until a chat with his school careers adviser showed he could bank on an accounting apprenticeship to earn a wage and gain a degree.
Working alternative
The former Levenmouth Academy pupil had participated in a programme to get ready for university from P7 through high school and felt a degree was the next step to his dream career in finance.
David, 18, was studying for Highers in English, Maths, Business Management, Music and Drama in March 2024 when his school careers adviser Gillian Fitzimmons explained that a Graduate Apprenticeship would enable him to learn on the job, study for a degree and earn a salary, all at the same time.
It would also see him reach his goal of qualifying as a chartered accountant two years earlier than a traditional university course allows.
Keen to investigate, David was referred on to Skills Development Scotland Personal Adviser Gail Veale, who explained more about how Graduate Apprenticeships work and helped him apply for his role with Thomson Cooper Accountants, in Dunfermline.
Benefits of an apprenticeship
David, of Leven, Fife, explained: “I wanted to work in finance and thought a degree in economics was the best way into it. Changing my plans was quite scary, but exciting too, as a Graduate Apprenticeship was something I hadn’t realised I could do.”
He added: “You need at least three years’ experience to become a chartered accountant. Being able to get that experience on the job at the same time as working towards my degree means I will qualify much earlier than I would have done.
“Having a serious role at such a young age is great and earning while I learn is a big plus as it means I don’t have to worry about student debt.”
Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers work in every state school in Scotland, supporting pupils with career information, advice and guidance.
SDS also delivers career information, advice and guidance services in SDS centres and in community venues across Scotland, through its freephone helpline 0800 917 8000, and online at My World of Work.
Support to succeed
Gail met with David, who is now an Accounting Graduate Apprentice, several times, helping him to improve his CV and write a personal statement and covering letter.
He explained: “I had used my old CV to apply for part-time retail jobs, so it wasn’t really suitable. Gail gave me a detailed plan on how to make sure all of my qualifications, skills and experience were laid out clearly.”
With her support, David also did extensive research on the companies he was applying to – including when they were founded, how many staff they have and where they are based, as well as the kind of clients they have.
He said: “That was very beneficial in the interview because it made it much easier to answer questions like why I wanted to work there.”
David was thrilled to receive the offer of a Graduate Apprenticeship with Thomson Cooper Accountants and is now in his second year.
He assists with the preparation of accounts, tax returns and VAT returns, as well as the transition from paper to electronic filing, four days a week.
He also studies for his degree course remotely with Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen from the office one day a week.
Opened door to career
Gail, who provides school and post-school career support, said: “David already had a CV, so we used hints and tips on apprenticeships.scot to improve it and doing research helped David to tailor his approach.
“It’s a competitive process so you want your application to be the best it can be.”
Thomson Cooper HR Partner Elaine Cromwell said: “David is very enthusiastic, keen to learn and take on feedback. He really appreciates the opportunities he is being given and is proud to be in the workplace.
“Graduate Apprenticeships improve diversity, bringing fresh perspectives and enabling us to better meet the needs of our younger clients, as well as allowing us to develop future talent for our company.”
David plans to stay in accountancy, keep progressing once he is qualified and possibly move into management accountancy or financial crime analysis.
He added: “I am grateful that I found out about the opportunity from my school careers adviser and I’m so grateful to Gail for her support – without her there’s no way I would be where I am now.”
Pupils can speak to their SDS careers adviser at school and, for careers support at any age, visit My World of Work or call 0800 917 8000 to find out about support in your area.