#NAW2023 Celebrating GC Apprentices: Izabela Wroblewska, AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting

Congratulations to Izabela who graduated from GC in November 2022 with a Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we asked Izabela about her journey as an AAT apprentice with Advanced Innergy Solutions, and this is what she told us.  

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship? 

I have a background in Tourism, but when I moved to England from Poland, I decided to completely change my career direction and go into Accountancy. I knew that the pathway into the profession will take me a few good years – as a foreign student, I had to do the Functional Skills course first before progressing further. Apprenticeship seemed like a good way for me to get a head start by gaining valuable work experience in Accountancy at the same time as I was studying towards my qualifications.  

How did you find your employer?  

I was browsing the apprenticeship vacancies on the government website and came across an opportunity with Advanced Innergy Solutions in Gloucester. After a round of job interviews, I was offered an apprenticeship position with them. I started as an Assistant Accountant Level 3 (AAT) apprentice and then my employer supported me with progressing to Professional Accounting Taxation Technician Level 4 apprenticeship.  

Tell us about your role with Advanced Innergy Solutions and how did you fit studying around your work commitments?  

At the beginning I started with admin duties, but as my knowledge and experience were increasing I was able to progress to more complex tasks including bookkeeping, cost analysis, budgeting, and accounting as a whole.  It was an apprenticeship requirement that I would be in College for one day per week to study. My employer was very supportive of this arrangement and would always give me time to study and work on College assignments.

What are your plans now that you graduated?  

I am really pleased to be staying on with Advance Innergy Solutions. The plan is to continue to develop professionally and my employer has agreed to fund my ACCA qualification and certification. It is a logical next step for me, as I am looking to further advance my career.    

Would you recommend an apprenticeship in your area?  

Yes, absolutely! It is not easy, but it’s a perfect balance of getting industry experience at work and learning at the College.  

Accounting Apprenticeships at Gloucestershire College

Finance/Accounts Assistant Level 2 (AAT) 

Assistant Accountant Level 3 (AAT) 

Professional Accounting Taxation Technician Level 4 (AAT) 

Recruit an apprentice or upskill your staff with Gloucestershire College 

Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2022,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers.  

Whether you are looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill a current member of staff, our Employer Training & Apprenticeships team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business.  

Contact: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk or call 0345 155 2020 

Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College 

Open to anyone aged 16 or above, you can apply for your chosen apprenticeship programme through our website – remember to check our live vacancies with local employers looking to recruit new talent!  

If you are already employed, you can use the apprenticeship scheme to upskill and gain qualifications to boost your career. Explore our programmes and get in touch with our Employer Training & Apprenticeships team to get started.