Apprenticeship Case Study – Joe Male

How long have you worked for GMS?

Since 11/08/2025.

What apprenticeship programme are you doing?

Level 7 CIMA Qualification as an Accounts Apprentice.

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I chose to do an apprenticeship because the “earn while you learn” approach really appealed to me. I liked the idea of gaining a recognised qualification whilst also building real experience in the workplace, rather than focusing solely on classroom learning.

I also felt ready to start my career alongside my education. For me, the practical skills gained through an apprenticeship overshadowed the traditional university route, making it the best way to combine learning with hands-on exposure.

What aspects do you enjoy most?

What I enjoy most about the programme is learning new information and skills that I can apply directly in the workplace. I also enjoy building my knowledge from virtually nothing to the level of a qualified chartered accountant, seeing my progress as I develop professionally.

Have you faced any challenges whilst balancing work and study?

Balancing work and study can be difficult, but it is manageable with the correct time distribution and planning. GMS have been very supportive and accommodating by allowing me time to study during working hours.

What is your long-term career plan and how do you think your apprenticeship will help you achieve your plan?

I am focused on continuously developing my skills, whether that’s within GMS or elsewhere. The support and belief shown in me by Neil and the team has given me the confidence to aim high and push myself to achieve more.

At 19, I’m still at the very beginning of my journey, which makes completing my Level 7 CIMA qualification even more valuable. Gaining this qualification early, alongside real workplace experience at GMS, will give me a strong foundation in finance and business that I can build on to progress towards senior leadership roles in the future.

My professional ambitions also align closely with my personal goals. I believe that putting in the hard work early in my career will give me the opportunity in the future to support my family, as well as meet the personal goals I set for myself.

In the long term, I would value having the flexibility to manage my own time, potentially through consultancy, once I have developed the necessary experience and expertise.