We are pleased to announce Summer Clift as our Apprentice Employee of the Month for March. Summers works at Devon and Cornwall Police and is studying for her Level 3 Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship. Summer was nominated because of all the positive feedback from her line manager and the wonderful results she has achieved. We spoke to Summer about her experience of Apprenticeships.

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship with Exeter College?

Whilst attending Exeter College as a student the college provided me with information on Apprenticeships and how I could develop my skills and knowledge whilst working. The College invited current Apprentices from different organisations to come in and speak to students who were thinking about applying for an Apprenticeship. I found this really beneficial as hearing first-hand experience from individuals who are currently in an Apprenticeship gave me the reassurance that this was the career path for me. The Exeter College website has many Apprenticeship opportunities on there and they host the Apprenticeship Expo so it was very easy for me to find out what Apprenticeships were available.

What is your favourite thing about your Apprenticeship?

My favourite thing about my Apprenticeship is the organisation that I am working for. I feel so proud and honoured to work for the police force. It’s such a large organisation with many opportunities for development and progression. The accountancy department are great to work with and provide the best support; they want me to do well and you can see that. They know how determined and motivated I am to progress with my career; they’ve allowed me to move around the finance department to gain as much experience as I can.

Did you have any worries before starting?

There was a couple of worries before starting my Apprenticeship as I knew a few people who had previously struggled with finance so I was a little apprehensive. However, that didn’t stop me, I knew I would enjoy finance as I had completed my finance course at College. Furthermore, I didn’t know anyone who was in the public sector for finance so I didn’t know what to really expect.

Would you recommend other people do an Apprenticeship?

I would highly recommend an Apprenticeship as there are so many benefits. I can work towards my professional qualifications and gain the working experience at the same time. I believe an Apprenticeship will help me to develop my personal skills and set me up for my career. Apprenticeships are more ‘hands on’, I feel that you learn more being in the working environment. On the job training has made me understand accountancy much more than just studying it. I also get paid to learn and the force pay for my qualifications.

To discover more about our Apprenticeship vacancies click here