National Apprenticeship Week – Ellen

Posted: 10/02/21

Ellen Calder, Business Administration apprentice and now Financial Accounting and Salary Sacrifice Co-ordinator

I started as a Business Admin apprentice in the Trust’s Finance Department in April 2018.

After completing my diploma in Business administration, I applied for a job as a Finance Officer in October 2019. I was thrilled when I found out I’d got it! I was then given the opportunity to work a six-month secondment as a Financial Accounting and Salary Sacrifice Co-ordinator. I’ve also enrolled onto the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification. In the future, I can see myself completing this and hopefully progressing to a higher level within the team.

For me, one of the best things about working for CNTW’s Finance team is our flexible working hours. This is quite helpful for a lot of us, as we can fit work around our lifestyles.

The pandemic has changed the way we work a lot. I found it difficult in the first lockdown to adjust to working from home. It was hard to stay motivated so I reached out to my talent coach and explained that I was struggling. She helped me a lot with creating a plan for myself and setting targets. I passed two exams in 2020 and my confidence has increased since! I would say to anyone currently studying an apprenticeship to ask for help if they’re struggling and set themselves targets.

I’m currently working through my apprenticeship towards my Level 3 Assistant Accountant qualification. I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to study through work. I’m really enjoying being able to reflect on my studies whilst working in finance.

I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship! I feel that apprenticeships are not always valued as much as they should be. In my opinion, apprenticeships are actually really beneficial because you get to gain experience in a real working environment and strengthen your skills, all while earning money. It’s a win-win!