acc Review
at Steer Automotive
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Accounting
Sleaford, Lincolnshire
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I’m completing my Level 3 AAT apprenticeship, and overall, it’s been a really valuable experience. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the workplace while continuing to build on the theory side through my studies.
One of the biggest advantages was being able to apply what I was learning in real-time. Topics like double-entry bookkeeping, management accounting, and tax concepts started to make much more sense when I was actually using them in a real work setting. The balance between study and work was challenging at times, but manageable with good support from both my employer and my training provider.
I developed a lot of soft skills too – things like communication, time management, and working with different teams. These are just as important as the technical knowledge and will definitely help me as I move forward in my career.
If you're someone who enjoys learning by doing and wants to work in finance or accounting, I’d definitely recommend the AAT apprenticeship route. It’s a great stepping stone, especially if you're looking to eventually go on to Level 4 or even pursue chartered qualifications in the future.
One of the biggest advantages was being able to apply what I was learning in real-time. Topics like double-entry bookkeeping, management accounting, and tax concepts started to make much more sense when I was actually using them in a real work setting. The balance between study and work was challenging at times, but manageable with good support from both my employer and my training provider.
I developed a lot of soft skills too – things like communication, time management, and working with different teams. These are just as important as the technical knowledge and will definitely help me as I move forward in my career.
If you're someone who enjoys learning by doing and wants to work in finance or accounting, I’d definitely recommend the AAT apprenticeship route. It’s a great stepping stone, especially if you're looking to eventually go on to Level 4 or even pursue chartered qualifications in the future.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my Level 3 AAT apprenticeship. It’s been a great mix of learning and practical experience, and I like that I can actually see how the things I study apply to real-life situations in the workplace. It makes the learning feel much more relevant and useful.
There have definitely been challenging moments — especially when juggling deadlines or learning more complex topics — but I’ve found it rewarding. It’s also motivating to know that I’m working towards a qualification while gaining valuable work experience at the same time.
The support from both my employer and training provider has made a big difference too. I’ve felt encouraged to ask questions, take on new responsibilities, and push myself to improve.
So overall, I’d say I enjoy the programme a lot and feel like it’s setting me up well for the future.
There have definitely been challenging moments — especially when juggling deadlines or learning more complex topics — but I’ve found it rewarding. It’s also motivating to know that I’m working towards a qualification while gaining valuable work experience at the same time.
The support from both my employer and training provider has made a big difference too. I’ve felt encouraged to ask questions, take on new responsibilities, and push myself to improve.
So overall, I’d say I enjoy the programme a lot and feel like it’s setting me up well for the future.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve definitely learned a lot of new skills and also developed some that I already had. One of the main new skills I picked up was using accounting software like Sage and Excel more confidently, especially for things like reconciliations, journal entries, and creating reports. I also gained a much better understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and how to apply it practically.
My existing skills in organisation and time management really improved too, especially when balancing work tasks with study deadlines. I’ve also become much more confident in communicating with colleagues and clients — whether that’s asking questions, explaining figures, or just working as part of a team.
Overall, I feel like the apprenticeship has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
My existing skills in organisation and time management really improved too, especially when balancing work tasks with study deadlines. I’ve also become much more confident in communicating with colleagues and clients — whether that’s asking questions, explaining figures, or just working as part of a team.
Overall, I feel like the apprenticeship has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I’d say the programme is quite well organised overall. There’s a clear structure in terms of what topics are covered and when, which makes it easier to plan ahead and manage both work and study time. The training provider gives a good breakdown of the units, and the deadlines are usually communicated well in advance.
At work, I’ve also had a structured plan for what tasks and responsibilities I take on, which helps me gradually build confidence and skills. There’s a nice balance between learning new things and putting them into practice.
Sometimes there have been small delays with feedback or scheduling exams, but nothing major — and any issues have usually been sorted quickly with good communication.
In general, I feel like the structure has helped me stay on track and make steady progress through the apprenticeship.
At work, I’ve also had a structured plan for what tasks and responsibilities I take on, which helps me gradually build confidence and skills. There’s a nice balance between learning new things and putting them into practice.
Sometimes there have been small delays with feedback or scheduling exams, but nothing major — and any issues have usually been sorted quickly with good communication.
In general, I feel like the structure has helped me stay on track and make steady progress through the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I’ve received a good amount of support from my employer throughout my apprenticeship. They’ve been really understanding when it comes to study time, giving me space to focus on college work or revise for exams when needed. I’ve also had regular check-ins with my manager to talk about my progress and any areas I want to improve.
The team has been helpful too — they’re always happy to explain things or walk me through tasks I’m still learning. It makes a big difference knowing I can ask questions without feeling judged.
Overall, the support from my employer has helped me feel more confident in my role and has made the whole experience a lot smoother.
The team has been helpful too — they’re always happy to explain things or walk me through tasks I’m still learning. It makes a big difference knowing I can ask questions without feeling judged.
Overall, the support from my employer has helped me feel more confident in my role and has made the whole experience a lot smoother.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I’ve received a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. The tutors are knowledgeable and always willing to help if I don’t understand something, whether that’s during lessons or through email outside of class. They explain the content clearly and often give real-world examples, which helps make the material easier to understand.
We also have access to online resources, revision sessions, and mock exams, which have been really useful when preparing for assessments. If I ever fall behind or need extra help, they’re usually quick to offer support or arrange one-to-one sessions.
Overall, I feel like the training provider genuinely wants us to succeed and is there to support us every step of the way.
We also have access to online resources, revision sessions, and mock exams, which have been really useful when preparing for assessments. If I ever fall behind or need extra help, they’re usually quick to offer support or arrange one-to-one sessions.
Overall, I feel like the training provider genuinely wants us to succeed and is there to support us every step of the way.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that the qualification through my training provider has helped me perform much better in my role. The topics we cover in class, like budgeting, accounts preparation, and VAT, directly link to the tasks I’m doing at work. It means I’m not just learning theory — I’m actually understanding why I’m doing certain things and how they fit into the bigger picture.
Studying has also improved my confidence. I feel more comfortable using accounting software, asking questions, and taking on more responsibility because I have a stronger grasp of the concepts behind what I’m doing.
The qualification is definitely giving me a solid foundation to grow in my role and prepare for more advanced tasks as I continue developing.
Studying has also improved my confidence. I feel more comfortable using accounting software, asking questions, and taking on more responsibility because I have a stronger grasp of the concepts behind what I’m doing.
The qualification is definitely giving me a solid foundation to grow in my role and prepare for more advanced tasks as I continue developing.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are a few extra-curricular activities at work that help make the environment more social and engaging. We sometimes have team lunches or after-work get-togethers, which are a great way to relax and bond with colleagues outside of the usual work setting.
There have also been opportunities to attend professional networking events or training sessions, which are really useful for building connections and learning more about the industry.
It’s nice to have a mix of both social and professional activities — it helps create a positive atmosphere and makes work feel more than just a 9–5 routine.
There have also been opportunities to attend professional networking events or training sessions, which are really useful for building connections and learning more about the industry.
It’s nice to have a mix of both social and professional activities — it helps create a positive atmosphere and makes work feel more than just a 9–5 routine.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Steer Automotive to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Steer Automotive to a friend, especially someone looking to start a career in the automotive or finance sector through an apprenticeship. The company offers a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and get hands-on experience while working towards your qualification.
I’ve felt encouraged throughout my apprenticeship — both by my colleagues and my manager — and there’s a clear focus on personal development and progression. The balance between work and study is handled well, and there are opportunities to take on more responsibility as you gain confidence.
Overall, it’s a great place to build a strong foundation and take the first steps in your career.
I’ve felt encouraged throughout my apprenticeship — both by my colleagues and my manager — and there’s a clear focus on personal development and progression. The balance between work and study is handled well, and there are opportunities to take on more responsibility as you gain confidence.
Overall, it’s a great place to build a strong foundation and take the first steps in your career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Steer Automotive?
If you’re thinking about applying to Steer Automotive, my advice would be to show that you’re eager to learn and willing to get stuck in. Even if you don’t have loads of experience, having the right attitude and a genuine interest in the role will take you a long way.
It also helps to do a bit of research on the company beforehand, so you understand what they do and where you might fit in. During the application or interview, be honest about what you’re hoping to get out of the apprenticeship, and don’t be afraid to ask questions — it shows you’re genuinely interested.
Once you’re in, make the most of every opportunity to learn, ask for help when you need it, and take on challenges even if they feel a bit outside your comfort zone — that’s where the real growth happens.
It also helps to do a bit of research on the company beforehand, so you understand what they do and where you might fit in. During the application or interview, be honest about what you’re hoping to get out of the apprenticeship, and don’t be afraid to ask questions — it shows you’re genuinely interested.
Once you’re in, make the most of every opportunity to learn, ask for help when you need it, and take on challenges even if they feel a bit outside your comfort zone — that’s where the real growth happens.
