Advice for parents and guardians

Supporting your child for life after school or college is incredibly important and we appreciate that as a parent, carer guardian you want to help them to make the right decision that will support them in their future career down the line.

MHA offers a wide range of apprenticeships across accountancy, tax and audit and the information below will help you to understand more about what an apprenticeship is, why it is a fantastic alternative to a university degree and how it can really help to start your child on their career path in this industry.

Meet Damian and Matt Walmsley

Damian is an audit partner at MHA. His son Matt joined MHA on our apprenticeship programme.

Here they talk about why an apprenticeship was right for Matt, why as a parent Damian felt it was a great career choice for Matt and they dispel some common misconceptions about apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships Mythbusting

Apprenticeships have changed a lot since the 1980s and 1990s and today they are an incredible alternative to a university degree, which isn't for everyone, whilst still being seen as a well-respected and credible way to embark in many industries including accountancy, audit and tax.

Below we tackle some common misconceptions:

To get into accountancy you need a university degree

Incorrect. Although a university degree is a fantastic way into the industry, it is not the only way. Young people who join MHA through an apprenticeship find themselves on the same career path as those people who join after graduating from university.

The years spent completing their apprenticeship not only offer vital professional experience, but they earn a salary whilst completing their apprenticeship and can avoid the burden of any student debt which can be a daunting consideration for many parents and guardians as well as their children.

What is the entry requirement for an apprenticeship with MHA?

For an apprenticeship at MHA we look for a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade A*-C (4-9) including Maths and English and a minimum of 112 UCAS points at A-Level. All gained in the same year and excluding General Studies (based on the 2017 UCAS tariff).

But what is the culture like for apprentices?

Similar to a university induction, all of our apprentices, by starting at the same time, begin their journey together and form those connections and friendships that are not only essential in developing in their chosen profession, but also help to form those social connections as well that are also vitally important.