Laura Flude – AAT Accounting Apprenticeship

Name: Laura Flude

Course Name: Level 2 AAT Accounting

Course Type: Apprenticeship

Image caption: NWSLC tutor, Laura Flude
As its National Apprenticeship Week, we asked our apprentice in AAT Accounting, Laura Flude, to write about her experiences as an apprentice and her work at UK Flooring Direct.

‘Currently I mix my working week by spending most of my time in my warehouse administrator role and then assisting the accounts team when I have a few hours spare.

Day to day, I work towards ensuring the distributing process is as smooth and effective as it can be. If there are any problems on the distribution floor, I try to solve them. I also make sure the distribution team have everything they need to get goods to customers.

The job involves several tasks including administration and reporting. It includes warehouse related work, from ordering supplies and the delivery and invoicing of the warehousing machinery to raising purchase orders and coordinating training courses for the warehouse operational teams. I also get involved in departmental analysis to look at how we keep improving productivity and effectiveness, as well as roster planning.

The Midlands is my home, having been brought up in Nuneaton and now living in Bedworth. I’ve always known UK Flooring Direct to have a huge presence in the region and I’ve enjoyed growing with the business, with this being my sixth year as part of the team.

I’m now picking up other interdepartmental work to go with my official role, which has led to me signing up for the apprenticeship in Accounting AAT through North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College – which is a fantastic opportunity! I’m really pleased that my employer is willing to support me in this way.

Obviously, it’s key that I pass and get the Level 2 qualification, but first and foremost in my thinking is broadening my horizons through the apprenticeship and picking up skills that will allow me to make the most of the opening presented to me to support other departments across the business.

The knowledge I have about the business, and more specifically about the finance department, is growing. I am sure that during the 15-month course, I will learn more and be able to apply it to my daily activities.

I’ve been with the business since 2016 and I still really enjoy my job. And now I get to relive my youth and attend college again, albeit just once a week this time around!

Taking on this accounting apprenticeship will add another feather to my cap and enhance my working experience. I am pleased to be able to take this opportunity and I’m thankful that UK Flooring Direct want to continue to invest in my career and development.