The positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals and organisations often goes unsung. This is particularly true for smaller organisations and apprentices undertaking apprenticeships in entry-level positions. Molly Ford recently completed a Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship with Damar. Her story demonstrates the power of apprenticeships.
Molly left college in 2018 and, apart from knowing that she didn’t want to stay in full time education, wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next. She needed and wanted to work though, so began in hospitality, working at two local pubs, before moving into retail. Then, after a short spell working in childcare, she spotted a vacancy for an assistant accountant apprenticeship at PAL Hire, a longstanding Damar partner-employer.
PAL Hire is a family-run skip hire business, which prides itself on outstanding customer service and has for several years invested in their team through apprenticeships. When Molly saw the opportunity, which was being marketed by Damar’s recruitment team, it was a chance to not just get a job, but also take a first step towards a career:
“I was undecided on what do as a career or what industry I wanted to work in. When the assistant accountant apprenticeship vacancy came up I thought it sounded like a great opportunity. What really appealed to me is how you gain a recognised qualification whilst getting valuable work experience.”
24 months later, Molly has successfully completed her Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship. She has now progressed into credit control and is now responsible for all of the ins and outs of her group of customers. From taking payments and chasing debts to raising invoices and opening customer accounts to escalating customers for legal action.
Michelle Forshaw, Molly’s manager at PAL Hire, has seen how the apprenticeship has positively impacted Molly’s work and confidence:
“Many elements of Molly’s apprenticeship have translated into what she does on a day-to-day basis. When credit checking customers, raising invoices or credits, and explaining financial information to customers, it is all relating to the work completed in her apprenticeship. The apprenticeship coursework helped her to learn about the structure of an organisation and the importance of her role and function.”
So, how did Molly find her apprenticeship experience?
“Learning to understand lots of information really took a lot of time and effort. But the help I received from my tutor at Damar and the revision material that was provided on my apprenticeship allowed me to manage it.
This apprenticeship has impacted me in so many positive ways. It’s helped me become more productive and efficient. I now have the skills and understanding of tasks and how to work a lot more effectively. I have also gained an understanding of the different roles and functions within the organisation, something that I never thought I would have done when I started the apprenticeship.
The support from Damar was amazing. Without my Damar tutor, Stuart Murphy, I don’t know where I would be. He would take the time out to support me and go through mock exam questions and answering any questions I had. My Damar coach, Linda O’Connor, made sure to motivate and push me to get the absolute best pieces of work from me. She would spend time going over details in my portfolio to show me areas where I could improve in order to showcase and demonstrate my work and knowledge I have gained.”
Linda O’Connor, Molly’s Damar coach added:
“Molly was a brilliant apprentice. It was clear to see her drive and determination to complete her apprenticeship. She dedicated herself to making sure her portfolio was up to standard and totally embraced the Damar process to learning. I am very proud of her achievement and wish her all the best for the future.”
Find out more:
Damar offer an apprenticeship pathway designed to take new and existing employees from entry level to qualified AAT Accounting Technician. Find out more about our accounting apprenticeships.