An increasingly popular study option, apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience while studying towards an industry-recognised qualification and earning a wage. They're available across a range of sectors, from accounting, business and law, to construction, engineering and transport. To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we caught up with Old Viking Kits Tanner (25E), who is currently completing a Level 7 Tax apprenticeship with Ernst & Young.

Tell us more about the apprenticeship programme that you have completed?

I am completing a Level 7 Tax apprenticeship with Ernst & Young. I am based in the Reading office; however I work from home 2 days a week and often find myself working in their London offices. The apprenticeship is designed so that I'm at work during the week and go off to study in chunks in preparation for exams.

Since finishing at Shiplake last year, I joined EY as a school leaver. The programme is four years long and involves working in EY's tax department whilst studying towards the ACA qualification (which is equivalent to a master's degree) to become a chartered accountant. My courses and exams are fully funded by EY- and I get paid at the same time!

What made you want to apply for an apprenticeship and the Ernst and Young one in particular?
I was never really drawn to the idea of going to university, so the opportunity to work towards a higher-level qualification than those at university without debt seemed highly appealing to me. The Ernst & Young apprenticeship really stood out to me because EY is such a well-respected global firm. The chance to gain hands‑on experience with real clients and to be involved in the day‑to‑day operations of a professional workplace felt incredibly valuable. I felt that in the long run, this would place me in a position with experience that many graduates lack.

What was the application process like?

The application process began with me filling in an online application, gathering my basic details, academic background and general motivations for applying. This was followed by an online assessment which involved numerical reasoning and situational judgement questions, designed to assess how you think and solve problems. After the first two stages, I was invited to a virtual assessment centre. This was full with a variety of exercises , including individual and group exercises, presentations and problem solving, assessing how you collaborate with others. Following passing the assessment centre, I had reached the final interview stage where senior members of the tax team asked competency based questions and about my motivations for joining the firm, where I had to demonstrate my genuine interest for the role and joining EY. Following this, I was delighted to receive a call offering me the job!

What Sixth Form subjects did you study and how did they prepare you for your apprenticeship? 

I studied Business, Economics and Geography at sixth form. I've found that certain parts of business and economics have been particularly helpful in my role so far, especially when working towards my professional qualification. However, while subjects like maths or economics may put you in a favourable position for an apprenticeship like mine, the specific subjects you choose often matter far less than your attitude and genuine curiosity for what you are applying for. In most cases, these qualities are far more likely to help you secure an apprenticeship.

How do you feel you compare to your peers who are at university completing their degrees?

The apprenticeship route is certainly very different from the university route. While going to university is essential for some careers, for many others an apprentice may actually be favoured over a graduate because of the practical workplace experience they gain — something that is incredibly valuable in the current job market.

However, it is very different from the university experience. During fresher’s week, many of my friends at university were only just going to sleep as I was getting up to head into the office! There is a sacrifice involved, as you'll be working throughout the week and studying in your spare time, but if you manage your time well you can maintain a healthy balance between work, study, and your social life.

I think it depends on what suits you though, many people will not want to be working a full-time job from 18, whilst others will be more than happy to given the many benefits apprenticeships offer. Also, since you are earning a salary, chances are you can have nice experiences in your free time which makes it worthwhile.

What advice would you give a pupil who is considering applying for an apprenticeship?

Ensure you thoroughly research your role and the company you are applying to. I never would have imagined when choosing my A-Levels, that I would be working a career in tax. However, having a solid understanding of the role you're applying for and showing a genuine interest will come across strongly in the application process. Furthermore, employers will be looking for skills that show you are driven and resilient - these often matter just as much as academic subjects.

I would also suggest that work experience, whether through attending insight days to firms in related industries to part time jobs are hugely beneficial. Even if the work seems unrelated, being in any workplace will help build transferrable skills. These experiences give you examples to draw on in interviews and are especially helpful when applying for apprenticeships, where limited prior experience is expected.

A big thank you to Kits for taking the time to tell us all about his experience of his apprenticeship. If you would like to find our more about apprenticeships you can access The Apprenticeship Starter Guide here.