Ellie Giles

Ellie Giles studied at Havering Sixth Form from 2015 to 2017, achieving grades of AAB in A Level Accounts, Mathematics and History. She then went on to work as an Associate on an Ernst & Young (EY) Business Apprenticeship in the City.

The former Hall Mead School student, from Upminster, knew during her time at College that she didn’t want to go on to University, so she started investigating apprenticeships instead.

Our team in The CUBE, the College’s careers centre, helped Ellie find out about the trainee programmes available and encouraged her to apply for the EY Summer School, which she managed to get into.

She then applied for the Business Apprenticeship and was successful again – securing her place on the highly sought-after programme at one of the world’s largest professional services and accountancy firms.

Ellie, who often returns to College for our Higher Education and Careers Days to give current students advice on applying for EY apprenticeships, said: “I have really settled into the company and I have been offered a lot of opportunities already, including a trek across the Sahara Desert for the EY charity.

“I am really enjoying the job and am looking forward to taking advantage of further opportunities.

“This suits me so much better than studying at university because I was ready to get out into the world of work after College. I have already passed my first exam with 14 more to go! But I am learning on the job, training and getting paid while I achieve more qualifications, and I love working in London so it is great for me.”