Ben Newton left school at 18 to go straight into work after turning down a University place – now he’s on £1million a year.
Instead of heading to freshers’ week like so many school leavers, Ben rejected an offer to study maths at Warwick University.
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He joined Deloitte, a global accounting and professional services company, through its apprenticeship scheme Brightstart.
Last week, at the age of 30, he made partner at the firm and is on track to earn £1million or more a year.
Ben, the first in his family to get a place at University, grew up in Dorset where his mum worked in a pub and then as a travel agent.
His dad left school at 16 and was a soldier in the army, The Sunday Times reported.
Ben said: “It was an upbringing far removed from London and the world of finance.”
Now he’s a qualified accountant working as an auditor raking through company accounts to check they’re accurate – a job most people haven’t heard of.
He has no regrets about turning his university place down.
“Through the apprenticeship scheme, I’ve already got that graduate job,” he added.
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“I’ve got the equivalent of a master’s degree and made lifelong friends of the people I started with.”
How do apprenticeships work?
Most people think of apprenticeships as training to be a tradesman such as an electrician or plumber.
But there are more than 600 types of apprenticeship – including “earn while you learn” places in accounting, management consultancy, healthcare, law, and digital technology.
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid.
You’re an employee with a contract of employment, sick pay and holiday leave.
By the end of an apprenticeship, you should have the right skills and knowledge for your chosen career.
All apprenticeships are ranked by level, with a Level 2 equivalent to GCSEs, a Level 3 to A levels and a Level 7 to a masters degree.
It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience.
It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.
Almost a third of trainees now study a Higher Apprenticeship, according to government figures, which is equivalent to a university degree.
And they are suitable for all ages, from 16 to 70.
How to become an apprentice
Around 30,000 apprenticeships are on offer across the country at any one time, for more than 1,500 different roles.
You can start an apprenticeship at any level and it’s likely you’ll need GSCEs in maths and English for most schemes.
Some apprenticeships will help you study to pass these exams before you start.
To apply for one, you need to create an account on the government’s find an apprenticeship service.
You can also apply to companies offering apprenticeships directly.
Before you apply, you need an up to date CV showing your qualifications and work experience.
It’s also likely you will have to write a covering letter explaining why you want the job and why you think you’d be a good person to hire.
If at first you don’t succeed
If you don’t get the first apprenticeship you apply for, don’t get put off trying again.
The National Careers Service advises you to apply for a few apprenticeships at a time.
This increases your chances and means you’re not waiting for a response from one employer.
A spokesperson says: “It usually takes a few applications to find the right apprenticeship.
“So if you don’t hear back or get an interview, don’t take it personally – it’s normal and happens to everyone.”
See what apprenticeships are available now.
