31 January 2025
Apprenticeship to fully qualified Chartered Accountant
A South Shropshire boy who left school at sixteen years of age and took an accountancy apprenticeship with one of Shropshire’s leading land agents has recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Nathan Baker’s story starts a year earlier when in 2011 he undertook his school week’s work experience with Balfours accounts department. The following year he approached the company for advice on the qualifications he should study for, they offered him an apprenticeship. This involved four years day release and by 2016 he had achieved the Association of Accounting Technicians – AAT, Level Four Diploma in Accounting and a Level Four Diploma in Business Studies.
Nathan explains: “I then took time out from studying, really to get more experience under my belt, then covid happened so I embarked on my ACCA studies in 2021. This involved two evening classes a week for three and a half years, plus an exam every quarter – totalling 13 exams.”
“Thirteen – not just lucky for some,” says Craig Varley Balfours business manager. “Nathan has been diligent throughout and has really earned his success, we are all very proud of him. Here he is 28 years old, deputy head of finance, having earned from the age of 16 years old. He is a great example to us all that there are alternatives to University and associated debt.”
Nathan bats back: “It is thanks to the support Balfours has given me throughout my studies, both mentoring and financial support for courses and exams; I am immensely grateful for that.” Now I don’t have to be studying my next mission is to start house hunting and buy my own home. As a fully qualified accountant with a good employment record I’m hoping I should be able to get a mortgage.” Currently, his only Achilles heel, he jests, is his support of Wolverhampton Wanderers, boy and man!
