A FORMER Priestley student has become an apprentice at one of the world’s best-known companies.Rachel Hodgson, who left Priestley in summer with A Levels in Accounts, Maths and Economics, is now working for Fujitsu which has customers in more than 70 countries and a global workforce of 170,000 employees.
The 18-year-old, from Appleton, said: “Fujitsu appealed to me because as well as being a hugely successful international company, they’re looking to develop their apprentices.
“I wanted to start my career as soon as I could and earn a wage as well as gain professional qualifications. I realised that as well as enjoying the work, I also really liked being in an office Monday to Friday, meeting new people and working as a team.”
Rachel was offered a place at university, after completing her studies at Priestley but decided the combination of work and study was best for her.
Priestley’s Head of Accounting Peter Bann said: “We really focus on ensuring our students are aware of all their options. This allows them to make an informed choice about which qualification they want to go on to study.”
After making her decision the next step for Rachel was finding the right opportunity and that is where the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Management Accounting qualification helped.
During a workshop at Priestley the CIMA told former Bridgewater High School pupil Rachel about the great opportunity and she applied.
She is now one of their first higher apprentices, a role that provides an alternative route to a professional qualification. Her academic training is being delivered by BPP Professional Education.
“Fujitsu wanted someone with strong numerical and analytical skills, who had a strong desire to progress in Management Accountancy, and who had an appetite to learn while working,” says Nadine Hughes, BPP Apprenticeships Recruitment Manager.
“I was delighted when Rachel applied as I knew she was perfect for the role.”
Fujitsu, the largest Japanese employer in the UK, believes apprentices like Rachel are vital for its future.
“Apprenticeships are becoming a growing option for well-qualified school leavers who may not wish to go to university,” says Fujitsu’s Peter Whitehead. “We don’t want to miss out on that talent.”
