Dana's Story
What does the apprenticeship mean to you personally?
For me, the apprenticeship represents a real transition — from being a worker to becoming a high-value professional. It’s proof that neither age nor background defines your potential. I started this journey at 32, with English as my second language, and it required resilience and discipline. But that experience also gave me adaptability and a different perspective, which I now see as a real strength.
For me, the apprenticeship represents a real transition — from being a worker to becoming a high-value professional. It’s proof that neither age nor background defines your potential. I started this journey at 32, with English as my second language, and it required resilience and discipline. But that experience also gave me adaptability and a different perspective, which I now see as a real strength.
A strategic choice
Why did you choose an apprenticeship later in your career?
Choosing an apprenticeship was a strategic decision shaped by my experience in the industry. I had personally funded my Level 2 and balanced the demands of Level 3 alongside a full-time role, so I understood the value of having a structured programme with proper support behind it. This route allowed me to combine the three most critical elements of professional growth: gaining high-level experience, having dedicated study time, and receiving the financial support needed to succeed in my exams.
Choosing an apprenticeship was a strategic decision shaped by my experience in the industry. I had personally funded my Level 2 and balanced the demands of Level 3 alongside a full-time role, so I understood the value of having a structured programme with proper support behind it. This route allowed me to combine the three most critical elements of professional growth: gaining high-level experience, having dedicated study time, and receiving the financial support needed to succeed in my exams.
Building strong foundations
How did starting with AAT support your development?
Beginning with the AAT gave me a crucial head start. It helped me build a strong understanding of core accounting concepts and develop a solid technical foundation. That grounding allowed me to bridge my natural work ethic with specialist knowledge, turning my previous experience into a professional asset as I move onto my ACCA studies.
Beginning with the AAT gave me a crucial head start. It helped me build a strong understanding of core accounting concepts and develop a solid technical foundation. That grounding allowed me to bridge my natural work ethic with specialist knowledge, turning my previous experience into a professional asset as I move onto my ACCA studies.
Why Azets?
What made you choose Azets specifically?
I chose Azets because they recognised my potential during the recruitment process. While I initially explored a general accounting role, the team identified that my analytical skills were better suited to Audit — an area I was genuinely interested in but hadn’t yet pursued. Being guided towards a path that aligned with my strengths showed me that this is a firm that genuinely pays attention to its people.
I chose Azets because they recognised my potential during the recruitment process. While I initially explored a general accounting role, the team identified that my analytical skills were better suited to Audit — an area I was genuinely interested in but hadn’t yet pursued. Being guided towards a path that aligned with my strengths showed me that this is a firm that genuinely pays attention to its people.
Making an impact
What has the apprenticeship at Azets given you so far?
The apprenticeship has provided the structure I needed to turn my professional goals into a reality. It’s given me the tools to handle the complexities of audit with a level of precision I’m genuinely proud of. For me, it’s about more than a title — it’s about having the expertise to consistently deliver high-quality work for my team and my clients.
The apprenticeship has provided the structure I needed to turn my professional goals into a reality. It’s given me the tools to handle the complexities of audit with a level of precision I’m genuinely proud of. For me, it’s about more than a title — it’s about having the expertise to consistently deliver high-quality work for my team and my clients.
Giving back
How do you support others following a similar path?
Alongside my role, I’m actively involved in the profession. I’ve sat on the AAT Student Advisory Group, delivered talks for AAT, and continue to take part in research and discussion projects when opportunities arise. I’m also a committee member for the AAT Gloucestershire Branch, which allows me to give back and support others who may be considering a similar route into the profession.
Alongside my role, I’m actively involved in the profession. I’ve sat on the AAT Student Advisory Group, delivered talks for AAT, and continue to take part in research and discussion projects when opportunities arise. I’m also a committee member for the AAT Gloucestershire Branch, which allows me to give back and support others who may be considering a similar route into the profession.
What advice would you give to others?
My main advice is to view an apprenticeship as a strategic career investment rather than just a learning opportunity. You should never be afraid to start this journey later in life or if English is your second language, as your previous resilience and experience are unique professional assets, not setbacks.
I highly recommend using the early stages, like the AAT, to build a rock-solid understanding of core concepts; that technical "head start" will be your greatest tool as you progress toward the ACCA.
Finally, be open to where your skills might lead you—just as Azets recognized my analytical potential for Audit, you should look for an employer that identifies your strengths and provides the "map" you need to succeed.