Publish date: 22 April 2022

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To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re highlighting a number of our colleagues who have experience of being an apprentice to show how they are supported and how it’s developed their careers.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Gough who, at the age of 21, has been with us pretty much straight from secondary school as a Finance Apprentice, currently finishing off his level four qualification. Here’s what he had to say…

“When I finished sixth form there was a lot of talk about university but I preferred the idea of practical learning and learning in the workplace. I particularly enjoyed business, admin and the economic side of maths but wanted to know more about what it was like to be in the workplace. We’d been told a bit about apprenticeships and what that involved which sounded like the right option for me.

“I did a bit of looking around on some of the employment and job searching sites that also listed apprenticeships and discovered the Finance Apprentice role here at DHU. Everything in the job description seemed relevant to my interests, there was a lot that I could learn and I could apply all of my learning to the workplace in a practical way which ticked all of the boxes.

“It was exactly what I hoped it would be. I’ve been doing one day a week at college and four days in the workplace which has given me so much experience of timekeeping, teamwork, learning from those who have been doing the job and how what I do fits in with what DHU does for its staff and patients. It’s also given me an immediate chance to apply my learning to the workplace and ask more questions of my colleagues to back that up.

“The support I’ve received from DHU, my manager Sarah and the rest of the team has been brilliant including giving me time back when I’m preparing for exams, cover when I’m on my college days and helping me with questions about my course work. I guess my learning will strengthen the team and that’s where the mutual benefit of being an apprentice comes in. I’m learning whilst understanding how DHU works and DHU has someone eager to learn and work for the team.

“What this has given me is that work experience. At university you wouldn’t get to see how different teams work together and how your work affects other departments. I’ve been exposed to more than just Finance and it’s important for me to understand how an organisation, especially one such as DHU with sites and departments across multiple counties, fits together.

“In terms of my future, when I finish my Level Four qualification I’d like to continue learning. There are further qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants that I’d like to look at. I want to learn and progress as much as I can in my studies and with DHU, not only to justify and repay the investment they’ve put in me but to be the best that I can be.”

To find apprentice opportunities near you visit the national site here or visit the DHU careers page here for more opportunities.

You can find out more about some of the apprentices and apprenticeships we currently have at DHU through a series of articles that we have outlined below. Each one will take you to a colleague who is currently an apprentice, undertaking an apprenticeship or has been an apprentice and secured full time employment with us.

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