27 Feb A bit about apprenticeships, why we invest in them
Hi everyone, Dan Harrison here. Usually, when I’m sitting down to write for the blog, I’m diving deep into the world of self-assessment, tax efficiency, or the latest updates from HMRC. But today, I wanted to take a breather from the spreadsheets and talk about something that sits very close to the heart of what we do here at Harrison’s Accountancy: our people.
Specifically, I want to talk about apprenticeships.
If you’ve popped into our Biggleswade office lately or had a look at our Meet the Team page, you’ll know we aren’t just a group of people crunching numbers in a vacuum. We’re a growing team, and a big part of that growth comes from investing in local talent right here in Bedfordshire. For us, apprenticeships aren’t just a "nice to have" or a box-ticking exercise; they are a fundamental part of our DNA.
Why Bedfordshire and Biggleswade matter to us
Before we get into the "how" and "why" of apprenticeships, I think it’s important to talk about the "where." We’re incredibly proud to be a Biggleswade-based business. Being part of the local community isn't just about having an office on the map; it’s about contributing to the local economy and providing opportunities for the people who live here.
Bedfordshire is full of bright, ambitious young professionals who often feel they have to commute into London to get a "real" career in finance. We want to change that narrative. By offering high-quality apprenticeships, we’re showing the next generation that they can build a career as a UK Chartered Accountant right here on their doorstep.
The "Fresh Energy" Factor
You might wonder why a firm of Chartered Accountants would spend so much time and energy training someone from scratch. After all, wouldn't it be easier to just hire someone who already knows the ropes?
While experienced hires are great, there is something incredibly special about an apprentice. They bring a level of energy and a "can-do" attitude that is infectious. When someone joins us at the start of their career, they aren't bogged down by "the way things have always been done." They ask questions. They look at processes with fresh eyes.
In an industry like accountancy, which, let’s be honest, has a reputation for being a bit "old school", that fresh perspective is gold. Whether it’s finding a quicker way to handle bookkeeping services or suggesting a new way to communicate with clients, our apprentices help us stay agile and modern.
Modern Skills for a Modern Firm
Speaking of staying modern, we live in a digital-first world. As Xero Platinum partners, we are at the cutting edge of cloud accounting. While some of us (mentioning no names!) have had to learn these digital tools as they evolved, the younger generation has grown up with technology at their fingertips.
For an apprentice, picking up a cloud-based software like Xero feels like second nature. They don't just "use" the software; they understand the logic behind it. By investing in apprentices, we’re ensuring that Harrison’s Accountancy stays ahead of the curve. They help us push the boundaries of what’s possible with automated bookkeeping and real-time financial reporting, which directly benefits our clients.
The Win-Win: Why it’s great for the Apprentice
I’m a big believer that a good apprenticeship should be a two-way street. Yes, we get a hardworking team member, but what do they get?
- Earn while you learn: Let’s be real: the cost of university is sky-high. An apprenticeship allows young people to get their qualifications without the crushing weight of student debt. In fact, they get paid to learn.
- Real-world experience: You can read about tax law in a textbook all day, but nothing beats actually sitting down and working on a self-assessment for a real client.
- Mentorship: In a smaller, friendly firm like ours, apprentices aren't just "the intern" getting coffee. They are working directly alongside experienced professionals and directors. They get one-on-one guidance that you just don't get in a massive corporate firm.
- A clear career path: Many people don't realise that an apprenticeship in accountancy can lead all the way to becoming a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. It’s a serious, high-level career path.
Debunking the "Tea Maker" Myth
There’s an old-fashioned idea that apprentices spend their days filing papers and making tea. At Harrison’s Accountancy, we don’t have time for that! From day one, our apprentices are involved in meaningful work.
Of course, they start with the basics, but we move them quickly into areas where they can take ownership. Whether it’s helping with company formation or learning the nuances of VAT, they are doing "real" accounting. We want them to feel the weight of the responsibility because that’s how you grow. We’re building the future leaders of this firm, and you can't do that by just having someone stand by the photocopier.
Building a Learning Environment
Because we are UK Chartered Accountants, we hold ourselves to a very high standard. That standard filters down into everything our apprentices do. We provide a top-tier learning environment where accuracy, ethics, and client service are at the forefront.
But we also keep it friendly. We know that starting a new job is intimidating. That’s why we focus on creating a supportive atmosphere. If an apprentice makes a mistake, we don't throw the book at them; we sit down, look at what happened, and learn from it. That’s the "Harrison’s way." We’re a team, and we win or lose together.
The Long-Term Vision
Investing in apprentices is a long-term play. It’s about building a sustainable business that can serve the Biggleswade community for decades to come. When we train someone from the start, they learn our values. They learn that at Harrison's, we treat our clients like people, not just numbers on a screen.
By the time an apprentice finishes their program, they aren't just a qualified accountant: they are a Harrison’s accountant. They know our clients, they know our systems, and they know our "friendly but professional" tone of voice.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, business is about people. While I love the technical side of being an accountant, nothing gives me more pride than seeing a young person join us, gain confidence, pass their exams, and become a vital part of the team.
If you’re a local business owner in Bedfordshire, I’d highly encourage you to look into apprenticeships. It’s one of the best investments you can make. And if you’re a young person in the Biggleswade area looking to kickstart your career in finance: keep an eye on us! We’re always looking for the next generation of talent to join the Harrison’s family.
If you want to learn more about who we are and what we stand for, feel free to check out our about us page or drop in for a chat. We’re always happy to talk: whether it’s about tax or the future of our local workforce.
Until next time,
Dan Harrison
Director, Harrison’s Accountancy
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