Finance Apprentice Review
at Cummins
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting, Finance
Darlington
Review Submitted: April 2026
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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 work in the Darlington Engine Plant side of Cummins Darlington, so day-to-day my job involves sending customers invoices as engines ship. I also am responsible for manually creating credit notes and re-invoices for any issues with engines, dealing with general accounts receivables queries and providing prices of parts for those who request it. Despite me working in the accounts receivables department, I don't actually see any of the money coming in, that is a separate team - this may seem unusual to normal accounting practices, however, this shows the scale of the company I work for.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed being an apprentice at Cummins so far and wake up each morning happy to work, I think a huge part of that comes down to the flexibility of the role. I am able to work from home if needed, can start/finish at a time that suits me and can take flex days providing I have enough hours. I am also lucky to work in an amazing team where everyone gets along and supports each other, these are two huge areas I would look for if I was to move jobs.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a huge array of new skills since starting my apprenticeship, I started fresh out of college so didn't really have any skills coming into this. I am now confident enough to train new colleagues, I was given the opportunity to train my supervisor only 6 months into my role which was scary at the time but ended up being a huge confidence boost which I have carried through the rest of my apprenticeship. I also have new excel skills, a software which I had never used before. Also, I am studying AAT alongside work, I am level 2 qualified and am currently working towards my level 3.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My program is perfectly organised, before my role began I had already met the entire team after being invited in for lunch which made my first day a lot less daunting. My manager has strong communication links to my training providers at college too.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive as much support as I need from my manager, we have 2-weekly 1-2-1 sessions where we discuss anything from work to home life. I feel safe that I am in a position where I can confide in my manager confidently no matter the issue.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
As I am studying AAT it is structured slightly differently, in level 2 my support was above and beyond which allowed me to excel through the qualification. Understandably in level 3, the support drops slightly as it is meant to be more challenging for us learners.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
As I work in a global company it works slightly differently, the work I do in college doesn't always reflect my day-to-day job. However, for my classmates who work in smaller accounting practices, the qualification matches their job perfectly. It is harder for me to find links, but when I do, it definitley helps me to perform better in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
I have recently participated in a professional networking event which involved over 100 finance employees who were based in Darlington which was an eye opener to how big the company really is. I also do monthly networking events with fellow placement students and apprentices which is always interesting to hear as we all have such different roles. I do believe some groups run football teams for example but this isn't something I've been involved in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cummins to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My first 2 years at Cummins have been super insightful, educational and all-around a good time! Working for a company so big allows me to visualise my future and plan my next steps accurately as I am surrounded by so many inspiring people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cummins?
Prepare for your interview by learning Cummins core values and mission statement, this was something I did and my manager still remembers it to this day. Also, understand the scale of the business beforehand, you are not applying to a small independent practice!
