We recently caught up with Cydney who is undertaking an accounting AAT level 2 apprenticeship at Clacton leisure centre. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about her apprenticeship journey and the skills and knowledge she has developed during the programme. Read on to learn more about her experience.
Please tell us a little bit about your current role.
I am currently working as a Sport and Leisure Administrator at Clacton Leisure Centre whilst doing an AAT Level 2 apprenticeship. Some of my duties include, raising & processing invoices, booking out events, payroll and looking after the 3G Football pitch and all the bookings with community and partner clubs. I particularly like the raising/processing invoicing and payroll side of my job.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I had been in my current job role over a year and was starting to want to learn some more things, I felt within my job I had learnt everything that I could at the time and wanted to do more and gain more knowledge in something I think I would enjoy and have done so far. I always want to learn new things so I can be an asset to Tendring District Council.
I chose to do AAT level 2 as I was always interested in accountancy, but didn’t have a lot of knowledge, so decided to start with the basics of level 2 before going straight into a level 3, which I am very happy I did, and this has given my foundation knowledge to go onto the next steps. I thought an apprenticeship would be the best option as I could learn whilst working still and get information from the accountancy department as I went along.
What are your career goals?
After my Level 2 AAT, I would like to go onto Level 3 to become a bookkeeper and carry onto being a qualified accountant. Once I have completed this I would even look at a level 4 apprenticeship in management of accounting. The goal is to then work for Tendring District Council as an account in the accountancy department or to even see if there could be a role made within the sport and leisure sector, where I am already based, as I think having an accountant will be very beneficial to the leisure centres.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to have further learning, it’s a really good way of learning whilst still being able to work and given the time to have allocated time to revise. The process for enrolling is very easy and all staff are helpful.
What is one thing you are proud of?
Last year was a tough year for me, I also gained a lot more responsibility within work and had my own level 3 business apprentice who worked with me, who I had to train whilst learning my level 2 AAT, I’m proud of being able to balance it all and passing my exams, as I found this a tough but good challenge.
What do you like doing outside of work?
I am really interested in new films that come out, so I spend a fair bit of my free time going to the cinema with family to watch new releases.
If Cydney’s story has inspired you, take a look at our apprenticeship offer. Apprenticeships are perfect for existing staff, as well as new staff, and can support with skill development, allowing you to progress in your career or feel more confident in your current role.
You can also give our team a call on 03330 139 502 or email acl.businessdevelopment@essex.gov.uk to find out more.
