CIMA perfectly aligns with our ambition for our programme to develop the TfL finance leaders of the future.
Kevin John, Transport for London, Senior Finance Business Partner
Tell us about your apprenticeship programme.
Our Level 4 apprentice programme spans two years and consists of six placement rotations which aims to develop apprentices' understanding of the different aspects that make up Finance as a business function.
Our apprentices study the Certificate in Business Accounting through the Level 4 Accountancy Taxation Professional Apprenticeship. Their placements could include:
- cash management
- revenue collection
- accounts payable / receivable
- general ledger.
In September 2019 we will launch our three-year Level 7 apprenticeship programme.
Why do you use CIMA in your programme?
CIMA is a prestigious accountancy qualification and perfectly aligns with our ambition for our programme to develop the TfL finance leaders of the future.
What benefits does your organisation see in taking on apprentices?
There are numerous benefits from my perspective:
- Widening the recruitment pool.
- Increasing diversity and representation in the workforce.
- Introducing new and dynamic ways of working.
- Developing new capability tailored to TfL's needs.
- Mitigating future staff attrition by creating loyalty to TfL.
- Equipping individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours they need for specific job roles.
- Providing a pipeline of future talent for leadership and specialist roles
How do you support your apprentices to successfully complete their study and work experience?
We provide a tailored, structured and well supported scheme. Each apprentice is assigned a buddy (2nd year apprentice), mentor, placement manager and a scheme sponsor as a line manager. They will have periodic development meetings with their apprentices to get feedback on their placement, CIMA studies and apprenticeship coursework, provide coaching where required and management support.The scheme has been explicitly designed to develop our apprentices and provide them with a seamless platform to succeed in their studies.
Why would you recommend an apprenticeship?
It provides a first-class opportunity to earn while you start your journey to becoming a fully qualified accountant.
What future do you see for your apprentices?
All apprentices who have successfully completed the scheme to date have been directly appointed into permanent roles across TfL Finance.
Our ambition is for our schemes to provide the finance professional who will power the engine room of TfL Finance and become the finance leaders of the future.