Molly Fear

Name: Molly Fear

Role: Accountancy Officer, Finance

Apprenticeship: Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting and Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting

How long have you been with Wiltshire Police?

I started working here in June 2019, when I was just 17.

How long did you study your apprenticeship for?

Two 2 years; I studied Level 2 and 3 AAT in that time.

How did you find the apprenticeship?

I really enjoyed it. The content and the workplace experience were interesting and varied and I was given relevant workplace accounting tasks, a great learning experience.

How did you find the mix of work/study/home life balance?

Studying my AAT apprenticeship has been a challenge. Trying to maintain a work/ study and home life balance was difficult, but you find what works for you. Wiltshire Police has been really accommodating and supportive and have helped improve my work/ study balance with allocated study days, a big contributing factor to my success so far.

How will the apprenticeship help you in your job and future career?

I’ve gained relevant skills and confidence to progress on to studying a Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. Completing Level 3 has given me the qualified bookkeeper status and am now working towards being a qualified accountant.

Any advice to those thinking of studying an apprenticeship?

Do it! It is a great way to earn while you learn and have the appropriate workplace experience alongside your studies. I was able to put the learning into practice/ context and gain a greater understanding of the tasks undertaken in my role.