"Having just completed my GCSEs I was keen to get into the workplace and start living and earning independently. I was only 16 but always wanted to work in finance, so when a friend recommended the Metropolitan Police Service AAT Traineeship scheme I thought it would be a great opportunity.

"The AAT qualification is well known and accepted internationally, so it's a good foundation for a successful career in finance. My day release scheme at the Met Police is a great way to study and there are several generations of AAT students here, so I can get help from people who are more advanced than me. Not only am I working at the same time, so I'm earning money, but it offers a challenge and gives you valuable experience in the working environment – I can use the skills I'm learning on the job."