Choosing an apprenticeship for Eleanor Hartill was the obvious choice when considering her options following sixth form. Eleanor, a former Xaverian from the ‘Class of 2023’ and former pupil of Newall Green High School, studied A Levels in Accounting, Business and Mathematics, paving the way for her to gain a place on a Level 3 Apprenticeship with Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG).
Reflecting on her time as a Xaverian student, Eleanor said: “My favourite subject was Business. The overall atmosphere of the lessons was brilliant, and there was the space for the students to have open discussion and debate on various business topics. Our teacher gave us lots of support and no question was ever too small. I particularly enjoyed the finance element of the subject, and this became a turning point for me in deciding on my future direction, as I knew from then on I wanted to work in finance after college.”
Eleanor accessed support from the college to help with workload, exams and careers advice, and commented: “Following the help I received, it was clear that my grades improved tremendously and so did my confidence. College staff also helped with writing CVs and personal statements and interview technique, which really helped when I applied for my apprenticeship at WCHG. Without reaching out, I wouldn’t have achieved the results I did or have the skills and confidence to be in my current role.”
Eleanor is now an Apprentice Finance Assistant at WCHG and has already completed her AAT Level 3 qualification, gaining an impressive Distinction grade, and is now progressing on to the AAT Level 4. Eleanor said: “I have acquired certain knowledge, skills and behaviours, as part of the apprenticeship, and this is done through college study, shadowing, training sessions and observing and working alongside colleagues. As well as gaining valuable skills, such as writing emails, time management and adaptability, I have also gained a well-rounded knowledge of how the organisation’s finance department functions in practice and contributes to the efficient running of the company.
“Being an apprentice has given me additional opportunities to attend events to raise awareness of apprenticeships and speak to local students about my experiences and networking opportunities to further build my confidence. I have also volunteered to support our residents, such as delivering Christmas meals to those in need.”
Employment Co-Ordinator and Eleanor’s supervisor, Adele Duncan, said: “WCHG employs apprentices because they bring fresh energy, new ideas and a willingness to learn. Apprenticeships allow us to shape talent from the moment they start with us and allow us to build a loyal and motivated workforce. At WCHG we invest in apprentices to grow our workforce and create future professionals who will strengthen our business for years to come. Eleanor is dedicated to her apprenticeship and has shown a strong commitment to gaining knowledge and learning new skills in the workplace. She is highly valued by all her colleagues and I’m sure she will continue to make a valuable contribution to the organisation in the future.”
Looking to future, Eleanor said: “I’m excited to see where my apprenticeship will take me and there will be a decision to make on what to study next and which accountancy route I will take!”