Apprenticeship event in Peterborough

Two of Saffery Peterborough’s apprentices, Abi Allen and Jessica Green, joined Head of Office Gareth Norris at a round table event with Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships.

This was to highlight the importance of apprenticeships in the accountancy sector with representatives from a number of employers in Peterborough, both from practice and industry.

Andrew took time out of his busy schedule to listen to feedback from apprentices on the value of apprenticeships as a very valid alternative to university degrees and to hear the stories from Abi, Jessica and others in the room as to what a difference the apprenticeship route has made for them.

Hosted and organised by Tim Howes and Gareth John of First Intuition, the event generated some great debate around the impact removing apprenticeship level 7 funding could have, as well as how apprenticeships can do so much to help the government’s growth agenda.

The merits of having greater flexibility in the delivery of lower-level apprenticeships were also discussed.

Gareth Norris, Head of Office for Saffery Peterborough commented: “the ‘Learn and Earn’ initiative at Saffery aims to promote the virtues of a career in accountancy to school leavers and help them access a career in the profession, whatever their background. We were therefore delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to today’s debate.  Apprenticeships have done so much to help address the skills shortages in the accountancy profession, as well as attracting talent from more diverse backgrounds and making the profession more accessible.”

Abi Allen, Audit Associate, said: “Participating in the round table event with our local MP, Andrew Pakes, was an incredible experience. It highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in bridging the gap between education and the workplace. The event highlighted the value of investing in the future workforce and the positive impact it has on our local community of young people. Sharing my journey as an apprentice allowed me to demonstrate the tangible benefits and opportunities that apprenticeships provide. Without apprenticeships I would not have had the opportunity to attend the event and show the advantages I have had from being immersed in a professional environment from a young age.”