If you’re looking to shape a future career in finance, then university is far from your only option. In fact, by choosing an EY business apprenticeship in audit or tax, you’ll receive the same amazing opportunities as a graduate. But as well as being able to start straight after finishing school, the apprenticeships are also ideal for anyone considering a career change. Not only will you earn as you learn, you’ll also be studying for an industry-recognised professional qualification with all studies paid for. And you’ll be working with clients right away – providing invaluable on-the-job experience that will help supercharge your career.
Matthew Price joined as an audit apprentice at the EY office in Birmingham in 2016 and – now aged 27 – is already a senior manager, a role that involves regular meetings with top business leaders, leading teams on a daily basis and plenty of opportunities to travel. ‘The opportunity was brought to my attention when I was looking for work experience placements during sixth form,’ he says. EY also provides a Career Starters work experience programme for Year 12/S5 students where you’ll learn more about what a career in Audit and Tax entails and get an insight into the Business Apprenticeship opportunities.
‘I started straight out of school after I’d just turned 19. I was already interested in finance so this was a chance to get a jump start without the downsides of waiting for three years and taking on university debt.’. Business apprentices spend four years studying for a Chartered Accountancy Qualification with ICAEW or ICAS – the same qualification offered to graduates – while spending the majority of their time working collaboratively with colleagues on important client projects, as well as learning and getting involved in other business activities.
Matthew found that the support network he developed with the other apprentices, as well as the advice and assistance of mentors, a buddy and a counsellor, helped him to balance work and study. ‘You form a really tight cohort with the other apprentices because you go to college together and often work on the same jobs,’ he says. ‘That means you have a network of people of a similar mindset who you can bounce ideas off and get support from.
‘The people at EY are super friendly as well. You’ll be speaking to people who are extremely knowledgeable and experienced and have no problem taking the time to explain things to you.’. The opportunity for quick progression was one of the main reasons Matthew chose an apprenticeship at EY. By gaining real responsibility and on-the-job experience right away rather than waiting until after university, he’s been able to rapidly rise up the career ladder.
After starting in 2016, he qualified as a chartered accountant in 2020 before being promoted to an assistant manager in 2021, a manager in May 2022, and then a senior manager in October 2024. ‘It’s been quicker than I could have ever thought, so I’m really pleased – people have been so supportive in helping to develop my career and giving feedback,’ he says. ‘At a company as prestigious as EY, you’re working with well-known organisations, in the UK and globally, and are involved in solving complex and challenging issues that can have a big impact on global markets.
‘So you develop a good understanding of how companies work, and as you progress you start to have more conversations with top executives including chief financial officers and CEOs.’. EY business apprenticeships are available in towns and cities around the UK including:. Aberdeen. Birmingham. Bristol. Edinburgh. Glasgow. Reading. Newcastle. Southampton and more…. Visit ey.com/uk/apprentices for more information.
Describing the varied nature of his current job, he says: ‘I’ve worked with companies involved in everything from rubbish disposal to medical treatment. ‘In audit you are checking the finances of a company, which usually involves going out on site and asking questions of the finance teams and managers. ‘So I’ve been all around the UK – up to Scotland, down to London and across to Wales. I’ve also been able to work in the US twice, in Detroit and Wisconsin.’.
Becoming an apprentice hasn’t only helped Matthew to reach a senior level in extra quick time – it’s given him the confidence he needs to shape his future too. ‘My confidence has increased massively since joining as an apprentice,’ Matthew says. ‘I wouldn’t have thought I’d be speaking to and meeting major business leaders on an almost daily basis and being asked for my opinion. ‘I’m more than happy to voice my thoughts whenever needed, something I wouldn’t have dared to do when I first started! It’s also had a positive impact on my personal life.’.
