Recruit And Develop Talent Through Apprenticeships

Finance Apprentice @ Odyssey Collaborative Trust

Location: The Hub, Borrowash Road, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7PH

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Odyssey Collaborative Trust?

Odyssey Collaborative Trust is a family of schools working together across a close geographical area to ensure that every child thrives. They believe that strong schools are built through collaboration, trust and a shared moral purpose, where every child, every colleague and every community matters.

WHAT will I get from working with Odyssey Collaborative Trust?

• EARN: £8 per hour, 35 hours per week (term time only, 39 weeks)
• EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm (30 minute lunch break)
• QUALIFICATION: AAT Level 2 takes approximately 14 months.
• BENEFITS: Professional growth & career pathways, wellbeing support, and funded Blue Light Card membership.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will support the efficient operation of the Trust finance function, gaining practical experience across a wide range of financial processes, supporting the Trust finance team in maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions and delivering high-quality financial services to schools across the Trust. Your daily tasks will include:

• Maintaining accurate financial records and filing systems.
• Recording financial transactions using Trust finance systems.
• Assisting with month-end finance activities and reporting.
• Ensuring compliance with Trust financial procedures and audit requirements.
• Assisting with the processing of supplier invoices and credit notes.
• Matching invoices against purchase orders and goods received records.
• Supporting supplier payment runs and responding to supplier queries.
• Assisting with bank reconciliations and control account reconciliations.
• Investigating discrepancies and escalating issues where required.
• Assisting in preparing information for VAT returns.
• Assisting with payroll administration tasks.
• Inputting employee information and supporting payroll reporting processes.
• Providing excellent customer service when dealing with staff, parents, suppliers and other stakeholders, responding to enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Assisting with HR administration activities, including the preparation of contracts, maintaining personnel records, processing routine employment documentation and supporting recruitment processes.
• Assisting with maintaining and updating Trust and school websites, ensuring content remains accurate, relevant and compliant.
• Maintaining supplier records within the EVERY software system, ensuring all supplier and company information is accurate and up to date. Process the setup of new suppliers and update existing records as required.
• Assisting with the organisation of meetings, events and training activities, including preparing documentation and taking notes where required.
• Undertaking any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post as reasonably required by the Senior Finance Officer, Chief Finance Officer or other senior leaders.
• Minimum of 6 hours per week spent on apprenticeship work and training.

HOW does the Apprenticeship work?

You’ll work towards the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting through monthly 1-to-1 online sessions (via MS Teams – so NO classroom OR college).

Your AAT Tutor will support you with the study and completion of the Mandatory Qualification ‘Certificate in Accounting.’ This contains 4 modules that will each take approximately 2 months each to complete. You will sit a mandatory online exam after completing each module that you must pass in order to gain your AAT Level 2 Qualification. Modules include Introduction to Bookkeeping, Principles of Bookkeeping controls, Principles of Costing and The Business Environment.

Your Skills Coach will help to develop your working skills such as communication and problem solving along with active learning and study of topics including Ethical Standards, Accounting Systems & Processes and work with your AAT Tutor to support your work towards the ‘Certificate in Accounting.’

You will be given a minimum of 6 hours per week to complete any apprenticeship work (assignments, research, projects and revision) all completed in the workplace, during working hours.

WHAT skills/qualifications do I NEED?

• Minimum GRADE 5/B in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths & English.
• UK Residency – must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
• A-Level Maths, Business, Economics (desirable).
• Communication & team working.
• IT, number & organisation skills.
• Reliable, trustworthy & positive attitude.

What happens next?

If your application is successful, you will receive a call from our dedicated Recruitment Consultant who will discuss the qualification, location and course length in more detail. Following this call, you will be asked to write a supporting statement and complete an English and Maths assessment.

If you really want to impress us, why not show your enthusiasm and carry out some further research on the employer and the qualification you’ll be working towards! Links are provided below:

Employer Website: https://www.odysseyct.org.uk/

About the Qualification: https://www.ctskills.co.uk/apprenticeships/accountancy

CT Skills are looking for an experienced, innovative, and highly motivated leader to join our successful apprenticeship team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing and supporting a team of Trainer Assessors, while driving quality and performance. This is a full-time, permanent position which is largely remote, although occasional travel will be required. 

The Role

You will be responsible for leading and managing the apprenticeship delivery team, ensuring excellence in the delivery, performance, quality, and compliance of our programmes. You will also oversee the learner and employer journey from initial recruitment through to achievement, maintaining high standards of service, engagement, and performance at every stage.

The Individual

You are self-motivated, have a thorough understanding of apprenticeship delivery and have proven experience of working at management level.

You have a track record of developing a high performing team ensuring targets and KPIs are met.

You have an engaging and effective leadership style, with the ability to build collaborative relationships with your team, internal and external stakeholders. 

You enjoy leading the way; using your critical thinking skills and natural curiosity to get to the root cause of issues. 

About CT Skills

CT Skills is a growing, forward thinking training provider with a strong reputation for quality.  We are proudly graded Good by Ofsted and hold industry leading accreditations including ISO 9001 and Matrix.
We support thousands of apprentices and online learners each year and work closely with employers and the Department for Education and Department for Work and Pensions. Our PRAISE values guide everything we do, creating a culture where professionalism, innovation and continuous improvement thrive.

What We Offer

• 36 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Free BUPA Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Health support app
• Free eye tests and discounted glasses
• Flexible remote working
• Volunteering and wellbeing days
• Birthday and work anniversary celebrations
• All working equipment provided

If you want to be part of a business where your ideas matter, your development is supported and your work genuinely makes a difference - you’ll feel at home at CT Skills.

CT Skills is committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion within our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

CT Skills is committed to safeguarding and committed to promoting the welfare of our learners and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Should your application be successful; and as your role may include engagement with Under 18’s; an enhanced disclosure will be requested from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and any contractual offer will be subject to rigorous vetting procedures.
CT Skills processes your personal data in line with our Data Protection Policy which is aligned to the General Data Protection Regulations (2018).  Please refer to our Job Applicant Privacy Statement for further details.

We will endeavour to provide feedback to all applicants. However, due to the volume of CVs that we receive at present we may not be able to provide individual feedback to all applicants. Please assume that if you do not hear from us within five working days your application has been unsuccessful. May we take this opportunity to thank you for expressing an interest in one of our roles.

We have an exciting opportunity for two experienced and motivated business professionals to train and assess our apprenticeship learners in Business Administration and Customer Service up to Level 3.

At CT Skills, we’re expanding our high performing delivery team and are looking for passionate individuals who want to help others grow.  Whether you’re already working in education or ready to bring your industry expertise into a training environment, we’ll give you the support, tools, and confidence you need to thrive.

The Role

Working in partnership with employers, you will use your coaching and training skills to guide apprentices through their learning journey, developing knowledge, skills, and behaviours. You will deliver engaging one to one and group sessions, monitor apprentice progress, provide tailored support to ensure successful outcomes, and build strong, professional relationships with both apprentices and employers.

About You

If you’re considering a move into training, we’ll provide full support to help you transition confidently into the role.  If you already deliver training, coaching and assessment, you’ll find a supportive, forward thinking environment where your expertise is valued.  Whether you are an experienced Trainer Assessor or a successful Business Administration or Customer Service professional looking to move into learning and development, we would like to hear from you. We value industry expertise, credibility and a passion for developing people, and will provide training towards relevant teaching and assessing qualifications where required.

You will be an effective communicator, able to successfully engage both employers and apprentices alike.  An excellent planner, skilled at managing your time and balancing competing priorities.  You will have a proven ability to coach, develop and mentor.

Training, Support & Development

We invest heavily in our people and are committed to helping you succeed.  You will receive:

• A structured induction and onboarding programme
• Mentoring from experienced trainers / assessors
• Support to develop coaching and assessment skills
• Ongoing CPD and professional development opportunities

About CT Skills

CT Skills is a growing, forward thinking training provider with a strong reputation for quality.  We are proudly graded Good by Ofsted and hold industry leading accreditations including ISO 9001 and Matrix.

We support thousands of apprentices and online learners each year and work closely with employers and the Department for Education and Department for Work and Pensions. Our PRAISE values guide everything we do, creating a culture where professionalism, innovation and continuous improvement thrive.

What We Offer

• 36 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Free BUPA Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Health support app
• Free eye tests and discounted glasses
• Flexible remote working
• Volunteering and wellbeing days
• Birthday and work anniversary celebrations
• All working equipment provided

If you want to be part of a business where your ideas matter, your development is supported and your work genuinely makes a difference - you’ll feel at home at CT Skills.

Support learners.  Build confidence.  Make a difference. 

CT Skills is committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion within our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

CT Skills is committed to safeguarding and committed to promoting the welfare of our learners and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Should your application be successful; and as your role may include engagement with Under 18’s; an enhanced disclosure will be requested from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and any contractual offer will be subject to rigorous vetting procedures.
CT Skills processes your personal data in line with our Data Protection Policy which is aligned to the General Data Protection Regulations (2018).  Please refer to our Job Applicant Privacy Statement for further details.

We will endeavour to provide feedback to all applicants. However, due to the volume of CVs that we receive at present we may not be able to provide individual feedback to all applicants. Please assume that if you do not hear from us within five working days your application has been unsuccessful. May we take this opportunity to thank you for expressing an interest in one of our roles.