Last up in our celebration of Apprenticeship Week 2023, we are pleased to hear from Matthew Stubbs, a 2018 Apprentice who passed his Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) exams in 2020 and is now well on his way to qualifying with Chartered Accountants Ireland. For Matthew, pursuing his career via the vocational route brought more benefits than going to university.
“I thought about going to university, however an apprenticeship was much more appealing as I had the opportunity to qualify faster, build up my experience while working, and avoid the levels of student debt that can come with a degree. I enjoyed the face to face teaching and feel my two years set me up well for my current role. It’s a decision that has definitely paid off.”
Reflecting on his time as an Apprentice, Matthew adds that he would advise anyone interested in accounting, or who wants to study on the job, to enrol in the Belfast Met Higher Level Apprenticeship programme.
“I’m on my way to becoming a chartered accountant, I’m part of a great firm with excellent experience already under my belt, and I’m working with interesting clients every day.”
Business Services Partner Michael Branniff added: “It’s been fantastic to see Matthew progress with us. Alongside his work and study, he sits on the Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Charity Committee and is working hard towards his exams with Chartered Accountants Ireland. He is a reliable member of the team, and we know he will go far at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore.”