Why CSL Partnership Chose to Hire an Apprentice

For Emma, taking on an apprentice was both a business and personal decision –  an opportunity to give a young person a meaningful start in their career and to nurture talent from within.

“I wanted to give a young person an opportunity,” explains Emma Foster, Partner at CSL Partnership and Turner Hampton.

With the support of Professional Training Solutions (PTS), Emma and her team welcomed their first apprentice, Isabella Gomez, who joined the firm as a Level 3 Accounting Assistant. PTS guided the business through the recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring a smooth and straightforward experience.

The Impact of the Apprenticeship

Since joining, Isabella has become an integral part of the team –
“Developing a person within your organisation means they do things your way. They pick up what you do well and, in turn, help you to develop your own internal systems where there are inconsistencies.”

By training Isabella in-house, CSL Partnership has benefited from a motivated and skilled team member who works to the firm’s standards and contributes to improving internal efficiency.

Skills Development and Achievements

In just one year, Isabella Gomez has made remarkable progress in her apprenticeship –
“Bella is now able to work independently on payrolls, bookkeeping and VAT returns and corresponds with clients’ queries in these areas with confidence.”

One of Isabella’s proudest moments came when she successfully completed one of the firm’s most complex payrolls on her own while her supervisor was on holiday – demonstrating her capability and confidence.

Support from PTS

As a first-time apprenticeship employer, Emma valued the expertise and guidance provided by Professional Training Solutions.

“They’ve taken all the stress out of hiring an apprentice and the paperwork! This is the first time I’ve done it, so I really needed a bit of help, which they have provided.”

PTS managed the administrative process, provided training support, and maintained regular contact to ensure both Emma and Isabella had the tools they needed to succeed.

ACE Award Winner

Recognising Dedication – Apprentice Champion Employer Nomination
In recognition of her outstanding commitment to supporting and developing her apprentice, PTS proudly nominated Emma Foster, on behalf of CSL Partnership, for our Quarterly Apprentice Champion Employer Award.

Emma’s hands-on approach, encouragement, and dedication to Isabella’s professional growth have made a real difference –  both to her apprentice’s confidence and to the success of the programme overall. Her enthusiasm embodies the spirit of what it means to be an apprenticeship champion.

Advice to Other Employers
When asked whether she would recommend hiring an apprentice, Emma’s response was immediate:
“100% yes I would, and I would say the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.”

Summary

By partnering with Professional Training Solutions, CSL Partnership and Turner Hampton successfully integrated their first apprentice, Isabella Gomez, into the team as a Level 3 Accounting Assistant. The apprenticeship has strengthened the firm’s operations, created a valuable career opportunity for Isabella, and demonstrated how investing in young talent can have lasting benefits for both the business and the individual.

Emma Foster’s nomination as an Apprentice Champion Employer further highlights the firm’s exceptional commitment to supporting professional growth and the next generation of accountants.