A second-year Sixth Form Bolton student was over the moon to find out that she’s been selected for an AAT Level 4 & ACA qualification apprenticeship with the prestigious KPMG.

Former Essa Academy student, Riza Patel, currently studies A level Accounting, Business Studies and Economics and is a member of The Sixth Form’s bespoke Apprenticeship Academy. Riza was delighted to receive her offer from KPMG, a multinational professional services network, and one of the Big Four accounting organisations, saying:

“I’ve wanted to become a chartered accountant since I was in year 8 at school and I began researching the ‘Big Four’ firms when I was 12.  I came to The Sixth Form as they’re one of the only places in the area that offers A Level Accounting, and I definitely made the right choice: the staff are all really helpful and supportive and have really helped me to secure my apprenticeship. My Accounting teacher, Mr Oldroyd is fantastic and really goes the extra mile and Emily Dover, from Careers, runs the Apprenticeship Academy which has helped me to prepare for the apprenticeship application process and has been really encouraging. I’ve had loads of 1:1s with her and she’s genuinely interested and invested in my success. KPMG are a leading brand in accountancy, and I wish I could start my apprenticeship right now!”

The Sixth Form Apprenticeship Academy supports second-year students who wish to secure higher and degree level apprenticeships after sixth form. The programme helps students to understand the competitive recruitment process and learn how to write strong applications and master interviews, with the goal of securing a highly competitive apprenticeship.

Emily Dover, Careers & Employability Advisor at The Sixth Form who runs the Apprenticeship Academy is thrilled for Riza saying:

"I am so pleased that Riza has secured this apprenticeship with KPMG as she has worked incredibly hard to secure this fantastic offer. She has been driven from the moment she joined B6, seeking opportunities to develop the skills and experiences employers are looking for by taking part in some high profile work placements in the field of accounting, as well as accessing regular Careers Guidance from the team. When new students enrol at B6 we ask what their intended destination is, and over the last two years we have seen a 6% increase in the number of students hoping to secure an apprenticeship. This has been reflected in the increasing popularity of our Apprenticeship Academy, which Riza has been a proactive member of this year, attending many of the workshops and masterclasses I have arranged, to support students through the rigorous recruitment processes involved in a degree apprenticeship application. Riza has secured an early offer, so I look forward to celebrating more apprenticeship offers in the coming months."

Everyone at The Sixth Form would like to pass on their congratulations to Riza for securing such a sought- after apprenticeship. Find out more about The Sixth Form’s Apprenticeship Academy here .