Damar Training: Five Days, Five Apprentices – Day Three

Damar Training’s client Hurst is one of the UK’s top 100 independent accountancy practices, with offices in Manchester, Stockport and London. It is one of an increasing number of professional firms that views apprenticeships as a core part of its recruitment, retention and development strategy, sitting comfortably alongside graduate recruitment and other forms of continuing professional development.
Chris Kinsey, who is aged 17 and from Droylsden in Greater Manchester is Hurst’s newest apprentice. He prefers on the job learning (and earning) to school or college and is settling in well to his apprenticeship in Hurst’s payroll department. Chris is currently undertaking an intermediate apprenticeship in accounts. This is the first step on a three to four year programme which could take him all the way to full membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
Hurst recognises that ‘growing your own’ staff using apprenticeships makes sound business sense in addition to helping it give something back to the community. Indeed, the firm’s strapline of “give your business an unfair advantage” could also apply to how apprenticeships can benefit businesses of all sizes!