Owura

Accounting Technician Apprentice

Meet Owura

1. Hey Owura! Can you give us a quick intro?

I’m Owura from London, and I’ve just finished my first year of the Level 4 Professional Accounting or Accounting Technician Apprenticeship. I work in the audit department and study at Kaplan, aiming for my ACA qualification next.

Life as an Apprentice

2. What’s your work-life balance like?

I work 37.5 hours a week, sometimes more, depending on deadlines. I study around 15 hours each week, balancing work, studying, and weekends. I spend three days in the office, one working from home, and one at Kaplan.

3. What's been the highlight of your apprenticeship so far?

Definitely speaking to students at careers fairs! Sharing my journey and inspiring others to take the apprenticeship route has been super rewarding.

4. What's your standard office outfit?

I like to keep it smart-casual: chinos or suit trousers, paired with quarter zips or shirts, and finished with smart shoes. It’s comfortable but still looks sharp.

5. And your biggest challenge?

Balancing work, study, and personal time. It was tough at first, but I created a timetable, which has made managing everything so much easier.

6. How do you unwind after work and study?

I love going on long car drives with music blasting. It’s my favourite way to switch off and relax.

7. What's a typical lunch at the office for you?

I usually snack on omelettes and have chicken stir fry with rice for lunch. It’s filling and keeps me energised throughout the day.

The Journey to Get Here

8. Have you faced any challenges along the way?

Trust the process! Things might not always go your way, but if you stay determined and keep learning, you’ll get to where you want to be.

9. Why did you choose an apprenticeship instead uni?

I chose the apprenticeship route because accounting values hands-on experience, and this path gave me exactly that—something university couldn’t.

10. What's your goal after your apprenticeship?

I’d love to specialise in corporate law. Eventually, I aim to work my way up to a senior position or even partner at a top law firm!

Finding an Apprenticeship

11. How many apprenticeships did you apply for?

I applied to about 10 and got one offer. Some rejections were tough, but I learned to trust that everything happens for a reason and kept pushing forward.

12. How did your family support you in finding an apprenticeships?

My dad, who has experience in finance, was a huge help. He guided me through the process, which made a massive difference when I was applying.

13. What helped you stand out during the application process?

Two big things: showing I’m a team player and being determined to reach my goals. Whether it’s meeting deadlines or getting top grades, that mindset made a difference.

Owura's Top Tips for You

14. What advice would you give students who want a top apprenticeship?

Get yourself out there! Create a LinkedIn early, attend networking events, and join insight programmes. This helps build your skills and gets your name out there.

15. Any advice you'd give your younger self?

Three things. Listen to your parents – they’ve been through it all before. Always work on yourself, mentally and physically. And finally, know when to stop the fun – priorities come first!

16. What do you wish you knew before starting your apprenticeship?

I wish I’d known the importance of asking questions! If you don’t understand something, speak up and seek clarification – it saves you so much time and stress.

17. What's your top tip for staying organised?

Timetables are lifesavers. Mapping out your work, study, and personal time keeps everything balanced, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Fun Stuff!

18. What do you do for fun outside of work?

I enjoy hanging out with friends, whether it’s boxing, hitting the gym, or trying new foods. It keeps things fun and fresh.

19. What's your favourite study music?

Asake, hands down! He has some great tracks that help me focus. I recommend ‘Great Guy’ and ‘What’s Up My G’.

20. What's your favourite TV show right now?

I’m rewatching ‘Lupin’ on Netflix. It’s one of my all-time favourite series – if you haven’t seen it, you need to check it out!