‘The outcome certainly bore fruit’

Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you studied in college

I came to Ireland from South Africa in 2015 to get a higher-level education, while experiencing life abroad, and gained a business degree at the Institute of Business and Technology (IBAT) in 2018. I am from Durban and had some book-keeping experience when I arrived.

How did you find out about the grad programme?

Initially, getting work in the accountancy field was difficult, despite my business degree and book-keeping experience from South Africa. I had heard of the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship programme from my accounting lecturer while chatting about cost-effective options to better my prospects. I was very interested in it as I knew it would provide a highly regarded qualification whilst at the same time giving me further experience in the sector.

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What is the graduate programme like?

It is a funded, two-year, work-based learning programme in which apprentices earn at least €21,060 a year while attending lectures one day a week with a local college.

I was apprenticed to the Dublin arm of PartnerRe, one of Europe’s leading investment companies and initially studied at the ATI Academy at the Institute’s headquarters in Chartered Accountants House on Dublin’s Pearse Street.

The pandemic hit just after I had started my work experience in January 2020. The course quickly switched to online classes and I was able to work from home for PartnerRe. I was delighted to land a permanent job as a financial operations analyst with PartnerRe at the end of it.

Explain what the work experience was like

Workplace and college mentors collaborated very well and offered guidance, which made things that bit easier for me. I was one of the first-ever apprentices at PartnerRe so it was new to them also, but I think it worked out well, as they continue to take on students through the programme. The balance between work and study can be difficult to achieve at times, but it was not unbearable, and the outcome certainly bore fruit for me.

What do you plan to work as after the programme and why?

My work now involves a myriad of book-keeping functions, including account payables, receivables, treasury and cash management, various reconciliations and quarterly control, accounts reporting and dealing with banks.

It is what I really wanted and I enjoy it very much. I have since pursued a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification to further my professional accounting education. The qualification gives me multiple exemptions at entry level.

What is your advice to graduates applying to the programme?

The apprenticeship would suit anyone who wants to pursue a career in accounting. You can work, earn and learn and get a very good qualification. I would have no hesitation in recommending it.