10 February 2022
Apprenticeship Week 2022: Building the Future Q&A with Liam Downing
“Build the Future” is the theme for National Apprentice Week 2022, taking place between 7 and 13 February, aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.
"I had no idea what to expect when I started an apprenticeship with Haines Watts in the summer of 2017, if I had known then what I know now, I wouldn’t change a thing."
We spoke to Liam Downing, Manager at Haines Watts Launceston, about his apprenticeship experience while working with our team.
What led you to start your apprenticeship at Haines Watts?
I had no idea what to expect when I started an apprenticeship with Haines Watts in the summer of 2017, if I had known then what I know now, I wouldn’t change a thing. By sharing my journey of apprentice to manager, from newbie to mentor and everything in between, I hope to give you an insight into what it means to be an apprentice, an accountant and so much more…
My Haines Watts journey started in the summer of 2017, I had finished my A Level exams (Biology, Maths and Sport) and was waiting for my results. I had applied to study a Biology degree at University, not really knowing what sort of career I wanted to have, only choosing biology as it was my favourite subject at school. It started to dawn on me that I could go to University for three years, gain little to no workplace skills, rack up a debt and then have to start a job in exactly the same position I could start one at after getting my A level results and going straight into the workplace. For some careers, University is a must, and some people thrive on the challenge of moving away and living on their own, but I decided it wasn’t the right choice for me.
I began looking for alternative options, and after getting in touch with Haines Watts, I was fortunate enough to get myself an apprenticeship position in the Launceston Office. Four and a half years later and I’m now a manager, I’ve completed my AAT qualification and I am now studying to be a chartered (ACA) accountant. In that time, I’ve gained a wealth of technical knowledge and developed an array of skills, I’ve been provided endless opportunities and faced a variety of challenges. All while earning on the job, meeting new people and enjoying (almost) every step of the way.
Did you find office accountancy to be what you anticipated?
Working in an office is often a very new experience for most school leavers, it isn’t exactly what it’s made out to be and an office job doesn’t just mean sitting at a desk crunching numbers all day. As accountants we have the opportunity to live a hundred lives through the eyes of our clients, almost every day I get to speak and interact with different people. Whether those interactions are helping clients deal with problems or meeting fellow professionals, no two conversations are the same. While it isn’t always clean sailing, with the January tax deadline or dealing with difficult clients there are challenges in every job but if you embrace them there is always something to be gained.
There are also a number of fantastic opportunities to work with colleagues and peers within the firm, I am very fortunate to work in a great time here in the South West. Where no two individuals have had the same experiences or followed the same path, being able to share knowledge, stories and thoughts with one another is one of the great joys of office life. Although there are a number of tasks that require working on your own, having a team around you to share ideas with and ask questions of is a fantastic resource that should be regularly used – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship route provides students with a number of great benefits, while your studies teach you all sorts of technical knowledge, there is also a real emphasis on developing real world skills which are a key element in any workplace. I started with the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification, which gave me an excellent grounding in a variety of the ‘accounting’ building blocks including bookkeeping, accounts preparation, VAT and personal tax. The studies are often closely linked to the tasks you perform on a daily basis, which makes the studying easier and the working more effective. And if you still need a reason to consider the apprenticeship route, people often say there is no motivator like money, so what better way to study than when you are being paid to do so?
After completing the AAT qualification in just over 3 years, I then quickly progressed on to the ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) course as the next step in my career. While this course is a considerable step up, the same key benefits remain consistent. The content of the course provides students with advanced technical knowledge and there is a continued commitment to developing student’s practical skills and behaviours. As your career progresses, so do your studies, and being able to regularly apply the new found knowledge and skills in the workplace is a fantastic way to reinforce the learning. These courses are also a great way to meet fellow accountants from a whole host of different workplaces, allowing you to learn more than just what’s in the text book.
What would you recommend to others?
Having recently been promoted to manager, but also throughout my time with Haines Watts, I have been progressively given more responsibility within the team and tasked with tougher jobs. While this presents a number of challenges, from time management to doing presentations, I have embraced every opportunity that has been passed my way. I would strongly recommend anyone starting a new job to grab every opportunity with two hands and never shy away from a challenge.
Accountancy might not be for everyone, but you would be surprised at the variety of roles available in the modern workplace. So, if you’re not sure whether accountancy or an apprenticeship are the right choice for you, I implore you to find out more and don’t be afraid to get in touch – you might just find the right fit for you.
How can Haines Watts help?
From our Audit academy, other apprenticeships to continuing professional development in all business subjects, not just accountancy, we genuinely believe that we can take you where you want to go.
Great people, with great ideas can flourish at Haines Watts and we will support your development in discussion with what’s right for you and the area and team you work in.
If you would like to have a conversation about a Haines Watts apprenticeship, contact your local office.
