Teenage dreams! Former agency apprentice works up to accounts technician

A former agency apprentice has worked her way up to a qualified accounts technician in under a decade.

Carrie Howcroft joined Preston Baker Estate and Letting Agents as an apprentice at the age of 17 in 2013 and has just passed her AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting.

She had joined the York-based agency as an apprentice in sales administration and  Preston Baker supported her through her through five business qualifications.

These included a certificate and diploma in business and administration and then through to her AAT Foundation in Accounting, Advanced Diploma in Accounting and most recently her level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting.

Carrie says: “During my time with Preston Baker I have moved from sales administration to tenancy progression and into accounts, and the company has funded all my training and allowed me study time alongside my role.

“I am super grateful for all the opportunities Preston Baker has given me. I absolutely love working here and the wonderful atmosphere across the whole company.

“Since I started working at Preston Baker as a teenager I have bought my own place and my career is in a place I never imagined it would be, Preston Baker has been so supportive throughout.

“When studying over the last few years I have been allowed a study day each week and also time at home to prepare for exams; Preston Baker could not have done more for me.”
 

She is now signed up for the company’s management development programme and also has the opportunity to train to become an accountant.

SJ Taylor, operations director at Preston Baker, says: “Carrie is now a qualified Accounts Technician which is a remarkable achievement considering that she has done this alongside completing a full-time role here at Preston Baker.

“This latest qualification is the culmination of eight-and-a-half years of dedicated learning. 

“Carrie has amassed five qualifications during her time at Preston Baker and we couldn’t be prouder or happier to have supported her in her quest to achieve this.

"A massive well done Carrie.

"The whole of Preston Baker is proud of your achievements.