EY HELPING TO DEVELOP YOUNG NORTH EAST TALENT
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Eighteen-year-old Ryan Abbott from Houghton-le-Spring is an A* apprentice at EY, based in the firm’s Newcastle office. He is studying for a Digital and Technology Solutions degree, funded by EY and is one of the first cohort in Newcastle to be going through this route at the firm. This degree allows Ryan to gain hands on work experience, whilst learning.
He said: “My best subjects at college were definitely Maths and Computer Science and because of this I’ve always wanted to go down the computing or cyber route. I first found out about EY when a past student returned to Durham 6th Form College to tell us about their experience there. What they said made me keen to explore the apprenticeship role. I wanted to start working to gain hands on experience and work with likeminded people, to make a difference, which I knew I wouldn’t be able to get as easily at university.
“I’m currently working on third party risk management engagement. This involves looking at our clients’ suppliers and reviewing the cyber security controls they have in place to protect client data. My day-to-day responsibilities include completing supplier assessments, hosting calls and working collaboratively with others in my team.”
“As an apprentice, I spend 20% of my time at university, attending lectures and seminars as well as completing assignments. The balance is great and allows me to complete university assignments during my working hours.
“The best part of working at EY is definitely the people. Everyone is so friendly and approachable, meaning I can chat to them about anything. At EY we can really depend on others to help out with questions, managing our workload and general technical queries. The project leaders and managers are always on hand to answer any in depth questions and provide support wherever needed.”
Ryan was honest about the differences he experienced working for the firm compared to what he expected. One of those was the responsibility given to individuals, which was surprising.
“It’s great to be so trusted at EY. I expected to be at work from 9am – 5pm in a suit every day, but the company has a longstanding culture of flexible working. We embrace hybrid working, meaning a mix of office working and home working, some days at home and some in the office, with flexible hours which suit you. In addition, at EY there is a dress for your day policy, which means we are able to wear something that suits our day, whether that is more formal for client meetings or more relaxed for home working.”
EY takes pride in developing talent and encouraging long-standing careers. This is also something that appealed to Ryan.
“I think I would like to spend some time working abroad while I’m still young. So hopefully I can branch out either within EY or outside to develop the international side of me.”
EY’s Newcastle office currently supports 30 apprentices in the North East and has opened its application process for the next intake of graduates this September.