Trainee Review
at Smailes Goldie
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Kingston upon Hull
Review Submitted: February 2026
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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
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
I am an audit trainee. I complete audit planning, fieldwork and completion as well as accounts preparation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship. I started at level 3 AAT, then level 4 AAT and am now close to completing by ACCA qualification after nearly 6 years of study. I believe this has given me the necessary skills and knowledge I have required at each milestone of my career, moving from junior to semi-senior and now senior.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my communication, problem solving skills, leadership and flexibility whilst at work. I have learnt about taxation, management accounting, audit, business law, financial management and financial reporting.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I received a study plan for my entire programme, including which modules I would complete and when I would sit the exams. I received regular emails confirming my study days and skills days.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I believe my employer cares about my mental health, especially when it is coming up to my exams. I feel that I can talk to them whenever I am worried, and they are able to give me the support I need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My skills coach is available for support whenever I require and is happy to have catch up calls if I need them. My tutors are really responsive to emails and have been able to answer any queries I may have. The safeguarding team are brilliant and have given me the support I need.
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 I have learnt the skills I need through all three qualifications at exactly the right point in my development from junior to senior. I think it also helps me develop soft skills with the skills days I attend and helps me to identify areas where I can ask my managers to develop more in.
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
We have regular social events including christmas and summer parties, volunteer days and away days for teambuilding.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Smailes Goldie to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel that I have found somewhere where I can see myself working in the long term. I have colleagues that I consider to be close friends and a team that is always willing to offer support and listen to my worries and concerns.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Smailes Goldie?
If you have little to no experience in accounting you should still apply to become an apprentice. I had no experience and decided to start from level 3, which I believe meant that I could learn at a speed that was right for me, without dropping straight into the level 7 qualification.
