Okeme: I'm glad I discovered apprenticeships

I decided quite late that I wanted to change university courses, and they wouldn’t let me as my grades didn’t meet the criteria. I’d originally accepted a place at university, so then began a foundation year to get me on the Business with Finance degree I wanted to switch to. It was during this year that I realised that apprenticeships were an option.

I’d never considered them before, but the fact that I could start working straight away appealed to me. Joining as an apprentice also means that not only will I qualify without debt, but I will also qualify earlier than if I went to university. I’m pleased I did the foundation year as it helped me see what other options there are. And that it was achievable with the grades I had.

I’m coming up to the end of my first three years at Grant Thornton and am really pleased I chose this route, I’ve learnt so much on the job and have had opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t joined the apprentice programme. My advice to others considering a career in accounting is to just go for it. It’s a really interesting and varied career.