Seb: taking a direct route

I thought that if I wanted to be an accountant, I would need to go to university. When I was in sixth form, I didn’t know anything about school leaver programmes or have any work experience in accountancy until a friend recommended Grant Thornton.

Choosing the apprenticeship route meant I could qualify earlier and save money. I will gain my accountancy qualifications in four years, rather than going to university for three years, followed by another three years of training. I also believe I am learning more relevant skills and gaining better work experience in the industry than I would in lectures.

I’m also earning a salary whilst I learn, which means I don’t have to incur any debt or take out a student loan while qualifying. What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with and the variety of activities. I have been in the firm for nearly a year now and my team have been friendly, welcoming and always willing to offer support. We have an active social calendar outside work, with team events and I play basketball for the firm against other teams around London.