As part of the Employability & Apprenticeship week here at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. Aspiring Accountants received an informative and inspirational talk from Stoke-on-Trent City Council around the different avenues available within the Finance sector.

Delivered by special guests, Sue Day- Strategic Manager in Financial Transformation and Matt Chadburn- Senior Business Partner in Finance both from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Students gained an insight into a typical working day within Local Authority, as well as discovering what roles are available within the finance sector and the different entry routes leading to them. 

Following a fascinating video highlighting just how vast and widespread the Council’s services are, students were left pleasantly surprised to learn just how all-encompassing a Finance role within the Local Authority can be. It was clear to see that a role within the finance team can be incredibly challenging, and tough decisions are sometimes needed to be made, but it can also help to ensure that the services delivered by the Council are effective and help to support local residents and the local community. 

Events such as the Employability & Apprenticeship week at the Sixth Form create fantastic opportunities for all current students to explore alternative progression to Higher Education though Employability, Apprenticeships and Graduate Schemes in a variety of workplace settings. 

Brandon Canavan, currently studying A Level Core Maths, A Level Business Studies and A Level Accounting commented:

‘I found the talk really helpful, it was interesting to learn about the different functions and careers within Finance beyond just accounting. 

I had also never considered the alternative ways to becoming an Accountant other than going to University, so to learn about apprenticeship and graduate schemes that allow you to gain the same qualifications whilst working in an area you are interested in has really made me think about my next steps after College.’