Back in March, we began the search for our first apprentice to join the GovGrant team. Fast forward to June and Kati Plowman-sale had started her first day here in our St Albans office, taking on the role of Apprentice Finance Administrator. Kati is in the process of completing a Finance apprenticeship with North Hertfordshire College. We sat down with Kati to find out what she thought of the application process, her experience so far in the role and her future goals.
- What made you choose to apply for an apprenticeship with GovGrant?
I decided to apply to this apprenticeship as I thought it would be the best way to start my career in accounts. I get to study and work at the same time increasing my skills to its fullest potential. I chose GovGrant as it stuck out to me how they specialise in a very niche market which I found intriguing. - What was your experience like becoming an apprentice at GovGrant?
I could not have fallen into a nicer workplace. From the interview until today’s date, everyday everyone has made me feel so welcome and at ease. The work environment is top tier, no matter the level of knowledge and experience everyone has made me feel like I fit in. The best part is everyone is extremely willing to help me and is more than happy to give me the time of day. - Describe a typical week in your role
Day to day I help assist with the purchase/sales ledger, payment runs, creating feemails (which is a breakdown of the R&D claim to clients) and updating relevant records. I have also taken over the petty cash for GovGrant. Every day I learn new things and new skills and when I am ready to take on more everyone is there to teach me. I will be attending college one day a week where I will gain my AAT Accountancy Level 3 which will follow onto doing higher qualifications to allow me to achieve my goal of becoming chartered. - What do you think of GovGrant’s working environment and culture?
I will continue to praise GovGrant for their working environment. It is more of a family feel than just working a day job. They have worked on creating this environment and it really shows. For example, every month we get taken out for a team lunch as a bonding experience, this creates a nice friendly relationship with co-workers to again create a lovely working environment. - What are your future aspirations after your apprenticeship?
My aspirations after I complete my apprenticeship will be to carry on working for GovGrant and completing further studies towards my accounting qualifications. I wish to keep learning new knowledge and skills to help me grow as an individual.
Kati’s quick-fire round questions
Describe yourself in three words? – Outgoing, optimistic, happy.
Night in or Night out? – Night in weekdays, night out weekends.
Favourite holiday spot? – On the beach with a cocktail.
Favourite place to eat? – Any Italian restaurant
What three must-have items would you take to a desert island? – Lip balm, music, gin.
Here at GovGrant, this is a time of growth and ambition and we are committed to continuous investment in our employees. A strong and motivated workforce is crucial to our success and will ensure our clients always experience the best possible service. We are dedicated to staff development and growing talent from within. We have an extensive induction and ongoing internal training programme for all staff.
Ruth Hayes, Learning and Development Manager at GovGrant said “I am very excited at the recruiting of our first apprentice. I believe Kati has a lot of potential and the chances to do well within our organisation. Having worked within the apprenticeship industry for some years, I am always happy when people engage with the apprenticeship scheme to develop themselves and their career.”
