High Flying Teen Makes His Mark In City

News
04/09/2017


A Tamebridge teenager who quit school to take up an apprenticeship says it was the best decision of his life.


Accountancy Apprenticeship

Rising star, Josh Uppal, 17, who comes from a working-class background chose to learn, work and earn through accountancy apprenticeship scheme, Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB), instead of staying in school and then racking up a huge debt at university.

After receiving 8 A-C GCSE’s from Barr Beacon School in Walsall, Josh could have studied A-Levels and progressed on to university but he decided to join the pioneering programme.

LTSB is a registered charity which helps young people who face disadvantages to secure top jobs with blue chip companies, in the financial sector.


‘Best decision I’ve made’

Josh, who is one of leading audit, tax and consulting firm, RSM UK’s, youngest ever employees in the Birmingham office, said:

“Applying for the LTSB scheme is the best decision I’ve ever made.

“My school wasn’t offering me anything that I wanted to specifically do and so an apprenticeship was far more appealing.

“Through LTSB I was able to gain the same qualification I could get from 6th form and I would be getting vital experience from an apprenticeship.

“On top of that, the average student debt is now £57,000 and there’s still no guarantee of a job afterwards.”


Making CVs stand out

The LTSB programme runs over two years, and includes Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, taught through training provider Kaplan Financial, a 12-month placement with a high-quality employer such as RSM, and leadership development opportunities including a sports leadership qualification through Aston Villa Foundation.

LTSB’s recommendations lift their apprentices to the top of the CV pile, and partner companies have an efficient pipeline to young talent while delivering on their commitment to a more representative workforce.


A ‘fantastic programme’

Josh’s Manager from RSM, Helen Wright said:

“Josh is a very keen worker.

“He’s fitted into the workplace as if he was a graduate starter and it feels like he’s worked here a lot longer than he has.

“It’s clear LTSB have taught Josh how to act in a business environment and he’s brought a great deal to the team. He has a great mind-set and is always willing to learn and develop.

“LTSB is a fantastic programme because it gives young people opportunities that they would never normally have.

“It provides them with experience and knowledge about accountancy that they wouldn’t have been able to learn in a classroom.”


If you’re aged 16-21 and interested in joining the LTSB programme as Josh did, or if like Helen you’re an employer seeking to recruit a bright young accountancy apprentice who will bring something different to the office, please visit the website: www.leadershipthroughsport.org.

LTSB is a registered charity founded by David Pinchin in 2011. Its supporters include the Macquarie Group (the charity’s Principal Corporate Funder) and Futures For Kids. Its patrons include Lord Justice Pitchford, Lord Davies of Abersoch and Virginia Wade OBE.

Josh Uppal and Helen Wright