Trainee Accounting Technician Review
at Westcotts
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Barnstaple
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
My main role as a trainee accounting technician is to prepare accounts, tax returns and VAT returns for different clients, which are then reviewed by the managers. Since I started my apprenticeship, I have continued to be given more responsibility such as helping/training new starters, drafting emails for managers to send to clients and filing VAT returns.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My written skills have developed through writing college portfolios as well as drafting emails/letters to send to clients. I also answer the phone for reception which has developed my communication skills. And mainly, I have really developed my maths skills through both work and exams.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very well structured - I do my college days at home so I do not go into college. However, I always have a catch-up with my tutor at the beginning of my study day where we will discuss how my studies are going, what I am going to focus on as well as setting deadlines for exams.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Since I started my apprenticeship, I have continued to receive lots of support from my employer. As well as support from my employer, my colleagues at work have also been able to support me with both work related things and college/exam issues. The support I have received from my employer has really helped me develop in my job role and through my qualification.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have a weekly catch-up with my tutor which gives me the chance to ask any questions and get any help with things that I may be struggling on. However, sometimes, responses to emails can be slow which can be frustrating if I have any questions or need any help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
There are some units that are covered during the qualification that cover things I do not do at work. But this has only been one unit in Level 4. Otherwise, all the other exams have helped me in my job role as they are all relevant to things I do at work (tax, accounts, VAT etc)
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
Westcotts hold different social activities during the year with the main one being the Family Fun day which is for all employees, from all offices. The offices then all hold their own separate activities such as Christmas meals and other social activities. We also do multiple things for charity during the year such as sponsored walks, cake sales etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Westcotts to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Since I started my apprenticeship, Westcotts have been able to support me through everything - they have supported me through all my exams and also have supported me with different tasks at work. I would not be completing some of the tasks that I now complete at work if it wasn't for the time and effort that the managers and partners have put towards helping me.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Westcotts?
Never be afraid to ask questions as there is always someone who will know the answer and be able to help you!
