AAT Trainee Review
at Larking Gowen
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Ipswich
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
4/5
Preparation of annual financial statements, company and personal tax returns for clients and sending these to the senior members of staff for a review.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have enjoyed my apprenticeship programme a lot since I have joined my job at my organisation. I have also enjoyed the tuition from my training providers as well.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt and developed lots of skills in my day-to-day job. This includes effective communication with staff and clients, leadership skills as I have provided training to other teams and offices. Ability to be pro-active and prioritise tasks which have short deadlines. Organisation skills as well with jobs.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say the apprenticeship programme at my workplace is very organised and well-managed by my senior colleagues. Tuition is sometimes well organised, however as I am approaching my End-point assessment, it is getting a little disoriented and disorganised as I am unaware of dates and what needs to be done with my portfolio, which has nothing to do with my job itself but does my apprenticeship programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive quite a lot of support from my employers. I receive frequent feedback on jobs I have prepared but I am also given a lot of responsibility and opportunities with new tasks I receive. My employers also ensure we receive proper training and if I need help on jobs I can interact with anyone in my team or other offices.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive quite a bit of support whilst on tuition courses for my upcoming exams and each tutor sends a lot of time providing help to apprentices, I rate the courses and skills days a lot from my training provider and receive monthly catch-ups from my skills coach to ensure I am on-track or above targets for the apprenticeship. However, as I am nearing the end of my apprenticeship the end-point assessment requirements are a little disorganised and short notice. I think more detail on the portfolio requirements would be more necessary as the teams call was only an hour.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that the training I am provided at my tuition days for my upcoming exams help me quite a bit to perform better in my roles and I have more knowledge in tax rates and allowances which I see in my day-to-day work. Some of the things we cover in the exams and revision are very brief to what I actually do at work so sometimes doesn't help all the time.
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, we have lots of extra-curricular activities I can get involved in at work. For example, we have a team channel which releases a lot of networking events with other firms in the region and also has fundraising sports activities and social teams to get involved in. For example, badminton and football.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Larking Gowen to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would say that my firm is a very nice company to work for who ensures that their employees are well-trained and ensures everyone is included and in a comfortable environment. They also ensure that anyone can help and be involved and provides new opportunities to employees at any levels. We do a lot of team activities too.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Larking Gowen?
I would say for those applying to Larking Gowen to be themselves once applying for the job. When I applied I knew which department and office I would have liked to be in and before applying I ensured I enjoyed working in the office environment as I had work-experience in the Summers in other offices which may be beneficial if you are unsure whether an office job is for you. I would also make sure you research the company and its history too.
