Joe’s Story: From GCSEs to Business and Leadership
Joe joined one of our first Liverpool Business programmes looking to get real experience and a route into work. With our support, he began his career at BDO and has since grown into a leadership role. He’s also a member of LTSB’s Alumni Innovation Committee.
Finding a Faster Route Into Work
When Joe left school, he was just 16 years old. He knew he wanted to get to work, and didn’t feel like further study was going to make the most of his potential. He was a hard worker, but didn’t have a clear idea of how he could start a career.
“Before joining LTSB, I knew I wanted to jump straight into my chosen career rather than spending years in college or sixth form. I was determined to find first-hand experience through an apprenticeship, though I kept college in the back of my mind as a fallback. But I really wanted to get my foot in the door as soon as possible.”
Building Skills, Confidence and a Career at BDO
When he interviewed for his first job at BDO, he used everything he’d learned on the LTSB programme to shine – despite being one of the youngest people in his cohort. He didn’t let his age hold him back, and was successful in securing the role!
“The LTSB bootcamp was a game-changer for me. It provided essential transferable skills that set me up for success. From crafting my first official CV to mastering interview techniques and getting a real sense of what it’s like to work in accounting offices, LTSB prepared me for my role as an SSC Audit Assistant at BDO. The support and guidance were invaluable, giving me the confidence to excel in the workplace.”
Now, eight years on, Joe has evolved to be a trusted colleague at the firm. Managing a large team while continuing his accountancy studies, he’s continued to advance and build his skills.
“Since starting as an assistant, I’ve progressed to a team leader, managing a group of up to 15 people. LTSB didn’t just help me start my career – they’ve been there every step of the way, even after the course ended. The skills I gained are applicable beyond just finance or business, making LTSB a fantastic choice for anyone looking to jumpstart their career in the corporate world.”
Giving Back on the Alumni Committee
Joe has always been passionate about giving back – and when the opportunity came up to join LTSB’s first Alumni Innovation Committee, he jumped at the chance. Through his role, he advises the charity on key decisions and helps steer the future direction of the charity.
