Muhammad Burhan
Accounting Apprentice
We first met Muhammad in the summer of 2020. He applied to join our virtual pre-employment programme, designed to support local residents gain valuable employability support and advice during the pandemic lockdown.
Muhammad wanted to change career and become a chartered accountant, and had just completed a Level 2 AAT course (Association of Accounting Technicians).
He was hoping to be taken on as an accounting apprentice by a local council in order to study the next level in AAT, and earn whilst he learnt, however the COVID 19 pandemic had halted all recruitment at that time.
In order to be as prepared as possible for seeking employment and maximise his chances during future interviews, Muhammad attended our online CV Writing and Interview Skills workshops.
Whilst discussing his future aspirations, we quickly realised that he exhibited all of the positive personality traits that we look for in Aston Group employees. Muhammad was undeniably passionate about a
career in finance, highly conscientious and invested in achieving his goals. All he needed was a chance.
We were not looking for any apprentices at that particular time, and had never offered an Accounting apprenticeship before. We were so impressed by Muhammad, that we felt it would be remiss of us, not to offer such an outstanding candidate a chance to come on-board and give him a helping hand to achieve his dreams.
Much to his surprise, we offered him a Level 3 AAT Apprenticeship with Aston Group, which he delightfully accepted, and he started his two year apprenticeship in January 2021.
Since then, Muhammad has repeatedly proven what a good choice we made, quickly establishing himself as an integral part of the finance team, taking on extra responsibility and successfully passing his exams to date, scoring over 95% each time. We are thrilled that he is doing so well, and very proud that he is a part of our family.
“Since the start of my apprenticeship, I have been learning new things every day. The amount of support I have received is indescribable.
From a very young age I wanted to become a chartered accountant. This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to achieve my lifelong dream. I have amazing mentors to support me and make me feel like I am a part of a team.
My Manager, Andrew, knows everything inside out and he has been (very patiently) training me over the phone. I would like to take this opportunity and thank everyone who helped me get started specially Andrew and Kirsty.
This has been one of the best opportunities I have ever had in my life and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me”.
Becoming an apprentice ambassador
Aston Group like to offer a wide range of experiences as an apprentice ambassador during our apprenticeships, in order to boost personal confidence, widen their social skill set and promote apprenticeships. Muhammad has taken part in virtual school presentations talking about apprenticeships, and helped deliver our first Eid event in May 2021.
Muhammad is a prime example of not only how well our ‘Pipeline to Employment’ programme works, he also proves that apprenticeships can be a great opportunity for people of all ages.