Meet BEL Valves’ new Finance Apprentice, Ben, who joined the company earlier this year. We caught up with him to hear about his role and how he’s been finding his apprenticeship so far…

What do you do as a finance apprentice?

As a Finance Apprentice, I spend my time split across two departments, so my role is half accounting and half sales. On the Accounting side, I run reports, process invoices, follow up on any unresolved invoices and close projects.

In sales, I’m part of the start and end of the process, so I add orders onto the system, send acknowledgements to clients and receive orders.

Whilst working at BEL Valves full-time, I attend Gateshead College every Thursday where I am working towards my Level 3 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification.

How have you found your apprenticeship so far?

I’ve loved it so far! It’s a really friendly environment at BEL Valves and everyone is very helpful. The people I work with will happily assist me with any questions and explain it fully until I understand.

There are also a lot of perks to working here, like food vans, social events and I really like the ‘nine-day fortnight’ working pattern, it gives you so much more balance and flexibility.

Why did you apply for an apprenticeship in finance?

I completed a degree in Mathematics at Northumbria University, which I studied for three years, and knew I wanted to go into accounting but I had been finding it difficult as it is such a crowded field, and I didn’t have any work experience.

As I was looking for job opportunities, I self-studied my Level 2 in Finance before finding the British Engines apprenticeship at BEL Valves. I decided to apply for it as I knew it was a great opportunity at a good company where I could get my qualifications and experience in the role at the same time, which would hopefully open up more opportunities for me within the group!

How did you find the apprenticeship?

My mam has worked for the British Engines Group for 35 years. She saw the apprenticeship advertised and thought it was a great opportunity in the exact kind of role I was looking for.

What do you like about the role?

My favourite thing about my role is being able to have an impact on the company’s functionality. Within the accounts department there is only me and my manager, so I feel like I can contribute significantly which make it really rewarding!

What have you found the most challenging?

I think the most challenging thing is wrapping my head around the business in terms of what we manufacture. I haven’t worked in engineering before, so I don’t have much knowledge in the area. Finding out how that side works can be quite tricky, but I’m enjoying learning all about it.

What are you plans for the future?

I’m focussing on completing my Level 3 apprenticeship and then I’d like to start the Level 4 qualification, which could offer me more opportunities at the British Engines Group.

Find out more about the British Engines Group Apprenticeship Scheme here.