One of our current students Benjamin Urwin won the prestigious Professional Services Apprentice of the Year2024 award. Last year he successfully completed his Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship here at New College Durham. We are delighted he has stayed with us to further his studies having started his Level 4!
Why accountancy?
-Maths, Business and IT were my best subjects at school so a career in accountancy aligned with my strengths. I really enjoyed the Finance side of my degree in Business and Financial Management which helped me decide this was the career for me.
How did you find staff and facilities at NCD?
-The support I have received from the staff at NCD has been outstanding. They are always available to support your needs, encourage you to be yourself and push you to reach your full potential. The facilities at NCD are superb, creating the perfect environment for learning and personal growth.
Why did I decide to do an apprenticeship?
-After completing my BA (Hons) degree at the University of Sunderland, I found that I didn't have any work experience in this field, so I decided to go down the route of an apprenticeship, which has been invaluable in helping me develop skills and behaviours which I didn't get the chance to with my degree.
Would I recommend apprenticeship and why? What in particular did you find most useful?
-Choosing to do an apprenticeship has been one of the best decisions I've made, I would highly recommend it to anyone considering this path. Throughout my apprenticeship I have gained crucial knowledge from experienced professionals in the workplace, insights and skills that I will take with me throughout my career. This, alongside the opportunity to work towards an industry-recognised qualification has been essential to my professional and personal development.
Deborah Newham, Principal Accounts Assistant at Durham County. We asked Ben’s current employer Durham County Council
How has Ben progressed in the last 6 months? What do you find most beneficial about having an apprentice work with you?
-Ben has progressed so much in the last 6 months on the capital team. Ben has taken on more responsibility within the team and is now in charge of looking after the drainage capital budgets. This involves regular meetings with the drainage team budget holders to discuss any changes to capital budgets. I feel that this work is a step up for Ben and will help him achieve a Senior Accountancy Assistant post within the council.
-What I find most beneficial of having an Apprentice on the team is having someone like Ben who is extremely willing to learn, enthusiastic and keen to develop his career within the Council. I think once Ben has qualified as an Accounting Technician, he will be eager to study for CIPFA and eventually become an Accountant within the council.
Devonne Burn, Ben’s Lecturer in Accounting here at NCD added
"Ben has been an exemplary student throughout his time on the AAT program. His dedication to understanding complex accounting principles and his ability to apply them practically has been impressive. Ben's proactive approach to learning and his eagerness to excel makes him stand out among his peers. His performance in exams and his apprenticeship consistently exceeds expectations, and his commitment to continuous improvement is commendable. Furthermore, Ben has developed significantly in confidence during his time at New College Durham. He actively participates in class discussions, presents his ideas clearly, and collaborates effectively with his peers. This growth in confidence has not only enhanced his academic performance but also prepared him to handle professional challenges more adeptly."
