BABble (Brian's Apprenticeship Blog)

Welcome back to my blog!

It’s been about a fortnight since my last entry and I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath.

The past two weeks have been exceptionally busy with the scholarship interviews. The standard of applicants this year were exceptionally high and I would like to thank everyone for all the effort that they put in. The five shortlisted applicants were invited to interview at our Leeds training centre on Thursday 25 March where they met with the interview panel (comprising HR representatives of a top ten accountancy firm and I). The applicants were asked to do a short presentation on themselves and why they felt they should win the scholarship. I expected the students to be nervous in such a foreign environment but they all performed marvellously and their confidence is highly commendable.

Throughout the entire process, I was extremely impressed with the amount of work they put in and the execution of personal delivery. Obviously, a decision had to be made and after much deliberation on the interview panel, the scholarship winner was identified. The remaining applicants have been awarded a place on our prestigious Summer School and have been sent an application form to register their interest in attending. I also spoke with these applicants and have agreed to assist them with sourcing an AAT Apprenticeship in a local firm when they complete their current academic year. Given their preparation, diligence and professionalism throughout my interaction with them, I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any client.

While the entire process has been condensed into above two paragraphs, I can assure you that the amount of work involved on the part of the applicants, Kaplan and the interview panel was no mean feat and I would like to take this opportunity to everyone involved for a sterling effort. I am now looking forward to receiving applications for the 2011 Scholarship!

For those students who are interested in the Summer School, please download an application form on this website. It promises to be a fun, interactive day and will provide unrivalled advice about a career in the world of business and finance.