Links with Local Business Boosting Learning at Craven College

Our long-standing relationship with Tax Assist Accountants continues to prove beneficial for both parties.

A group of Craven College accounting apprentices past and present joined with staff at the Skipton Tax Assist office to celebrate their rebranding and to share their experiences of working in accountancy.

Vicky Berry, Branch Manager at TaxAssist Skipton, herself a former Apprentice at Craven College, said “Our apprentices learn both at college and, on the job, and this really complements each other. Whilst students learn the theory at College, they also learn how we work, and this ensures we have staff who understand and fit into our business perfectly”

We have a proud heritage of excellent Apprenticeship provision and of success rates when compared to other providers. Following the publication of the 2022/2023 National Apprenticeship Data, Craven College’s overall achievement of 67% ranked the College in the top 10% in the country when comparing against General Further Education Colleges (GFE) and places the College as the highest ranked provider in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Nicole Milner, who completed her apprenticeship in 2024, and recently won Future Star of the Year at the 2024 Keighley Business Awards said, “It can be really scary taking the plunge to a career change and apprenticeship to train in something new, but the support received from both Craven college and TaxAssist made me settle into both really easily and enjoy my time training.”

Beth Fannon, Level 4 Accounting Apprentice said “Doing an Apprenticeship with Tax Assist has really built my confidence, especially when communicating with the public. We have a good support system at Tax Assist, because we know there’s always someone to help us who has been an apprentice themselves!”

Accounting Apprentices have support throughout their studies from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the course is so successful that the College currently has 16 students awaiting placement!

Judith Lancaster, Lecturer in AAT commented, “Apprenticeships work really well. Our apprentices are really committed, and they learn in great detail both in the classroom environment and in the workplace. 

They have a good respect for their qualifications, whilst their practical skills are amplified. 

Ongoing relationships with companies like TaxAssist are vital for the continued provision of our strong apprenticeship offering.”

David Forrester, Managing Director of TaxAssist, added “Apprenticeships in the accountancy industry offer small firms a fantastic way to develop talent. TaxAssist is a growing local employer with sixteen employees. It is amazing to think that eleven of our team have completed or are progressing through the apprenticeship scheme to gain their professional qualifications!

“Having a strong partnership with Craven College has been central to our success here. The in-person learning is essential, not only to pass the exams but to study alongside others from different businesses with contrasting experiences to their own. This partnership ensures that apprentices develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It’s a genuine win-win for employee and employer that about brings long term success for both.”

Find out more about our range of apprenticeships and find your career path!