Fast growing accountants and Marketing Stockport member Bennett Verby has expanded its apprenticeship scheme in a move to help young people get a foothold on the career ladder without racking up huge university fees.
The Stockport-based group has taken on three apprentices in its 2013 intake and is looking to recruit three more.
Bennett Verby has a long history of trainee programmes dating back to the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) in the 1980s. A large number of staff joined on apprenticeship programmes and have gone on to become managers and even directors.
Former apprentice, Neil Jones, was last month promoted to a board director. After joining on an apprenticeship scheme as an accounts trainee, Bennett Verby supported him through his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications and he quickly moved up the ranks to become a manager.
Apprenticeship next step for Lee
Looking to following in the footsteps of Neil is 19-year-old Lee Wilks who, after completing A Levels at Xaverian College, has joined Bennett Verby as an apprentice. Lee will combine college studies for his Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) qualification with practical learning within his role at Bennett Verby. He then wants to study for his ACCA to become a chartered accountant.
Lee (pictured centre left with fellow aprentices
Danielle Crowther and Chloe Lancashire) says:
“This was 100 per cent the right choice for me and is
really enjoyable.’’
Bennett Verby has also taken on Chloe (right)
who is studying for the AAT certification with the hope
of becoming a chartered accountant.
Danielle (left) left school after GCSEs and is
working towards an NVQ in Business Administration.
Bennett Verby, Chief Executive Bernard Verby, said:
“It has always been a strong belief and commitment of the business to help and support young people within our community.
“A good number of staff who have joined these apprenticeship programmes have moved through the ranks, become chartered accountants and most recently joined the board of directors.
“The introduction of tuition fees has meant that university is not an option for everyone but this shouldn’t mean that young people can’t pursue their chosen career.
“At Bennett Verby we believe that everyone should be given a chance.’’