Bilshan’s Story: From School Leaver to Chartered Accountant
Bilshan joined LTSB at just 16, where he won Apprentice of the Year. After he was placed in a junior accountant role through LTSB, he channeled his skills through hard work, and at the end of 2025 achieved his ACA qualification!
Finding confidence in the transition to work
Bilshan first connected with LTSB at 16, at a point when professional careers in accountancy felt distant and unfamiliar. There weren’t many opportunities around him, and he was looking for a way in. Despite his age, from the very first day Bilshan demonstrated clear ambition and threw himself into every aspect of the programme.
Gaining access to major firms gave him a clearer picture of where his career could lead, and through studying for his AAT Level 2, he was able to secure his first role with one of LTSB’s long-standing partners, BKL.
At the start of his career, he was daunted by the transition ahead of him.
“Coming from secondary school was a challenge in itself, because it hadn’t really prepared me for working life and how to deal with a nine to five job.”
The Impact of Support and Mentorship
A key part of Bilshan’s success has been the support of the LTSB team and its alumni network. Mentors like Fabio – also one of LTSB’s alumni – offered insight, reassurance and encouragement at critical moments. This combination of professional opportunity and personal support helped Bilshan stay focused and motivated through the challenges of qualifying.
Career Success: Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant
Bilshan is now an ACA-qualified Chartered Accountant at just 24, having completed both AAT and ACA qualifications while working full time at BKL.
“Getting my ACA feels like a huge achievement, but honestly, the journey really began at LTSB. I picked up real professional skills, saw what opportunities were out there, and even made friends for life along the way.
“Getting my ACA feels like a huge achievement, but honestly, the journey really began at LTSB. I picked up real professional skills, saw what opportunities were out there, and even made friends for life along the way.
“Landing my role as an apprentice and studying for the exams has been tough, but having a great support network at BKL, LTSB alums like Fabio and the LTSB team backing me the whole way made a massive difference. I hope my story shows that young people like me can go far with the proper support and opportunities.”
Bilshan remains connected to LTSB as part of the alumni community, representing the charity at partner events and acting as a role model for young people considering careers in finance. His journey demonstrates the long-term impact of early opportunity and sustained support.
Fabio, his mentor, says, “It seems like only yesterday that Bilshan joined BKL. Over the years, it has been a privilege to contribute to his professional development and witness his growth. As someone who also began my career through the LTSB programme, I am immensely proud of his accomplishments. His success is a testament to the value and impact of initiatives such as LTSB.”
