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Meet our Accounts’ Apprentice, Nathan Calladine. We spoke to him about his role at Ward, earning while he learns and what his future plans are.

About Apprenticeships

Nineteen year old Nathan is currently studying his level 3 Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification at Babington College in Derby, alongside working at Ward four days per week from Tuesday to Friday. 

Based at Donald Ward House, Ilkeston, his responsibilities include filing, preparing statements, invoicing, posting payments, monitoring emails and sorting external email. The Ward Business Employer Academy, part of Derby College, is proud to have been able to bring this about and show the benefits of working to place students within the workplace while they’re studying to improve their chances of finding work once they leave, as well as build their understanding of the workplace and how they can fit into it.

Earning while learning

Nathan began his journey with Ward by completing a week of work experience in the summer of 2017 and by September was offered the opportunity to become an official apprentice. Nathan has said: “I chose to accept the offer for an apprenticeship to gain more experience in accounting far quicker than I would have by waiting until after my studies. As well as gaining valuable experience and understanding of the workplace, I’m earning while gaining my qualifications.”

He added: “I find that working at Ward has given me the chance to learn beneficial skills within the workplace. These skills have and will allow me to further myself both in and outside of work.”

What’s next for Nathan?

After finishing his Level 3 AAT at college, Nathan intends to continue his studies and complete his Level 4 AAT (giving him a full AAT qualification) and then wants to continue to CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), all while still working at Ward. He hopes by progressing in his studies and qualifications, he’ll be able to progress within his role at Ward as well.

Working with Ward

Ward is very proud to be able to contribute to helping young people find a place in the workforce, while still encouraging their studies and goals for high qualifications. The Ward Business Employer Academy works to bridge the gap between education and the workplace and to better prepare students for the world of work, and offers roles such as working in Customer Services, Accounts and Administration and Engineering.

James Balfour, Finance Director at Ward, adds: “By giving these students an insight into our industry and experience in the workplace, we hope that they will be better placed to apply for apprenticeships at the company at the end of their study programmes. Partnering with Derby College is a great initiative for us and being able to offer apprenticeships is beneficial to our business and the future of our industry.”

More information on apprenticeship opportunities at Ward is available here. More information about the Employer Academy programme can be found on the website.