A Higher Level Apprenticeship Proves Right Route for Karen

After taking time out from career plans to raise her family, Karen Johnston from Lisburn, found that returning to education counted on determination, grit, support and choosing the right route to kick start a career in accountancy. 

After completing her A levels at Hunter House, Karen (44), completed a Bachelors degree at Brigham Young University in Utah, USA. She said, “After graduating and working for a few years, I got married and we started our family. My husband and I have four children and with his full support, I wanted to be a full-time mum at home. 

She added, “When my youngest was born, I did investigate doing an Accounting Technician’s course, but it was only when he was going into primary four, I felt the time was right for me to seriously look at getting back into employment. I knew that my degree could help get me onto Chartered Accountancy, but I felt a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) route was going to be a better fit for me. I would be learning on the job, earning, gaining a qualification and the experience would help confirm if accountancy was indeed for me. 

“I am glad I took the next step to enrol on the HLA in Accountancy. I have always enjoyed learning and am thoroughly enjoying the practical elements which reinforces what I am doing in the job.   I also enjoy the social aspect of meeting up with the other students each week. I would certainly recommend coming to SERC.   

On advising someone thinking of returning to education to follow the same path, Karen said, “It is very hard work. I couldn’t have got this far without pure grit and determination and the support of my husband, children and extended family. But if you are willing to put in the time and effort then my advice is to go for it. My motto for these past 18 months is “I can do hard things!” I plan to continue in my role as an Accounting Technician whilst I complete my Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Accountancy and after that, I am considering further study to become a Chartered Accountant. 

Come along to our Higher Education Open Evening 6.00pm – 8.30pm, Thursday 10 June at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards. Apply Now for HE programmes commencing September 2021. Visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be part of the next generation of professionals. #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.