Name: Phillip Johnson
Company: Pierce Chartered Accountants LTD
Job Role: Payroll Administrator

I first came across NLTG when I decided I wanted to do an Apprenticeship. At the time, I was working in a job with no progression and knew an Apprenticeship would give me more opportunities. I found NLTG online and decided to apply.

I started my Apprenticeship at Pierce Chartered Accountants in December 2013 as an Administration Apprentice in the payroll department. I have achieved my Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship through NLTG which gave me a good start. When I started at Pierce I had no experience working in an office and this qualification helped me get used to the change it also allowed Pierce to mould me into what they wanted as a team member.

I now work as a Payroll Administrator with 5 other members of our team, processing payrolls for 400 clients. I have achieved the CIPP Payroll Technician Certificate and am currently working towards the CIPP Foundation Degree in Payroll Management both paid for by the company. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the Foundation Degree and love applying what I have learnt to my day to day work.

I have always been happy to take on new training and responsibility. With my manager due off in April for maternity leave, I will be stepping up to the management role when she is off which will be a great challenge for me. I hope to progress in the Payroll department and maybe one day reach a permanent management role.

I would advise school leavers to seriously consider Apprenticeships. They are a brilliant way to start a career. You can earn whilst you learn and also develop important life skills.