Kenzie’s Apprenticeship Journey: Building Skills for a Career in Accounts

Kenzie’s Apprenticeship Journey: Building Skills for a Career in Accounts

For Kenzie, an apprenticeship was always about gaining real-world experience while continuing to learn. Rather than spending his time solely in a classroom, he wanted the opportunity to develop practical skills, take on responsibility, and understand what it was really like to work within a business.

After discovering his apprenticeship opportunity through the government apprenticeship website, Kenzie joined Eltherington, where he quickly became an important part of the team.

Putting Learning into Practice

Kenzie’s role covers a wide range of business and administrative responsibilities, from managing data and producing stock reports to raising purchase orders, supporting projects and handling calls. His first few weeks were a steep learning curve. Alongside getting to grips with a new working environment, Kenzie had to learn new terminology and become familiar with Sage X3, the business system used within his role.

The experience gave him the opportunity to put his learning into practice every day, developing skills in IT, Excel, maths and problem-solving while gaining a much stronger understanding of how different areas of a business operate. One of the biggest changes has been in Kenzie’s confidence. “I am a lot more confident when speaking to new people.” That confidence has continued to grow as he has taken on more responsibility and become increasingly comfortable working independently.

Building Experience Through Responsibility

Kenzie’s apprenticeship has involved much more than simply learning the basics of his role. He has contributed to projects that have had a tangible impact on the business, including supporting a change of supplier and currently working on the implementation of a Kanban stock system. His ability to work independently has also been a particular source of pride. One significant test came when both his manager and a colleague were away at the same time, leaving Kenzie to manage an increased workload and deal with additional requests. Successfully navigating that period demonstrated just how far he had progressed since starting his apprenticeship.

For his manager, Colleen, Kenzie’s contribution has been incredibly positive. His responsibilities include maintaining stock information, managing purchase orders, supporting site stationery requirements and contributing to wider data and business projects. Colleen states that the team has appreciated both the skills and support Kenzie brings to the workplace, particularly through creating greater consistency in data and improving internal documentation and processes.

Supporting a Business as it Grows

Kenzie’s work has become particularly valuable as Eltherington has continued to invest in its systems and develop its approach to managing information. The apprenticeship role was created in part to help ensure business data was maintained effectively, while giving Kenzie exposure to how information is used, managed and reported across an organisation.

His contribution has included helping standardise and maintain internal ‘How To’ guides, ensuring information remains accurate and supporting the introduction of new system reporting. He has also had the opportunity to develop his knowledge of emerging technology. As the business introduced AI systems, Kenzie was prioritised for training and has subsequently been able to share his knowledge with others. This has helped demonstrate the wider value an apprentice can bring, not only learning from the business, but also contributing new knowledge and perspectives.

Promotion to Accounts & Finance

The apprenticeship has given Kenzie a clearer idea of where he would like his career to go. Having developed an understanding of business operations and workplace expectations, he had been considering progressing into the accounts department and continuing his professional development through AAT.

That ambition has now become a reality, with Kenzie successfully progressing from his apprenticeship into a new Accounts/Finance role at Eltherington. His promotion marks an exciting next step in his career and reflects the skills, confidence and experience he has developed throughout his apprenticeship. Moving into an Accounts/Finance position also gives Kenzie the opportunity to build on the knowledge he has gained so far, while continuing to develop his financial and business skills within the company. Rather than viewing the end of his apprenticeship as the end of his learning journey, Kenzie is using it as the foundation for the next stage of his career. “I now have a better understanding of how working within a business is and Work Ethics.”

For Colleen, Kenzie’s development also highlights one of the strengths of bringing apprentices into the workplace. As systems and administrative functions continue to evolve, apprentices can provide valuable support while bringing fresh perspectives to existing processes. “New apprentices are always keen to explore current practice and have fresh ideas to help open up broader discussions on improving how to complete tasks,” Colleen explains.

A Positive Experience for Both Apprentice and Employer

For businesses considering taking on an apprentice, Colleen highlights the importance of providing clear expectations, regular feedback and opportunities to take on new responsibilities as an apprentice develops. She believes apprenticeships can provide valuable support across a wide range of business tasks, while also creating opportunities for young people to build a career.

For Kenzie, the message to anyone considering an apprenticeship is equally positive: “It is a great way to get yourself into a job and allows you to get work experience as well as your college grades.”

Kenzie’s move into his Accounts/Finance role is a fantastic example of how an apprenticeship can provide a pathway into a long-term career. What began as an opportunity to gain practical experience has developed into a permanent progression within the business.

Congratulations Kenzie! This is an incredible reflection on all of your hard work and determination; you should be really proud!

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