Being shortlisted for the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2026 recognises the progress Aaqil Ullah has made throughout his apprenticeship journey.

As an ACCA Finance Analyst Apprentice at L&Q, he supports financial forecasting, reporting, and data analysis within the company’s Analysis and Modelling team while continuing to develop his expertise.

Here's how apprenticeships helped him discover a passion for finance and data analytics, develop practical skills, and progress towards a rewarding career.

Building a career through apprenticeships

Aaqil has always believed that he learns best through practical experience.

Before joining L&Q, he spent almost two years at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, gaining experience across several departments and developing the communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills that continue to support him today.

During that time, he discovered a particular interest in working with data and using insights to solve business challenges, which led him to pursue a career in finance and data analytics.

Reflecting on why he chose the apprenticeship route, Aaqil says:

“I've always preferred learning by doing rather than sitting in a classroom. An apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain real workplace experience while earning a qualification at the same time.”

Developing practical skills

Since joining L&Q, Aaqil has continued to strengthen both his technical knowledge and confidence.

His role within the Analysis & Modelling team has provided valuable experience, allowing him to strengthen his analytical approach and develop the skills to take on more complex challenges.

“The apprenticeship has significantly improved my data literacy and analytical skills. I've become much more confident using Excel, interpreting financial data, identifying trends, and presenting insights that support decision-making.”

Aaqil believes these skills will continue to benefit him as data becomes increasingly important across organisations.

Beyond technical knowledge, Aaqil has also become more confident working with large datasets and finding more efficient ways to complete everyday tasks.

“My productivity has increased because I now spend less time manually analysing information and more time focusing on the insights behind the data.”

Applying learning in the workplace

One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to use new skills in real workplace situations.

Throughout his programme, Aaqil has contributed to projects within the Analysis & Modelling team, using his skills to turn complex financial data into meaningful insights.

One project he's particularly proud of is supporting the Financial Forecast Return (FFR).

“I worked with large financial datasets, helping to organise, analyse, and present information to support forecasting.”

He says that this knowledge has made him more confident in reporting, reconciliations and data revelations.

“The skills I've developed through my apprenticeship, particularly around Excel and data analysis, have allowed me to contribute more confidently and produce higher-quality work that supports business decisions.”

Balancing work and study

Like many apprentices, Aaqil found balancing a full-time role with studying one of the biggest challenges. Managing competing priorities helped him develop stronger organisation and time management skills.

To stay on top of his workload, he focused on planning ahead and breaking larger pieces of work into smaller, more manageable tasks.

“I overcame this by planning ahead, breaking larger tasks into smaller milestones, and staying consistent rather than leaving work until the last minute.”

Looking back, he believes those challenges helped him grow professionally as well as personally.

“Those challenges helped me become more organised, disciplined, and resilient.”

Support from Kaplan

Throughout his apprenticeship, Aaqil says the support he received from Kaplan played an important role in helping him succeed.

“The support from Kaplan has been excellent throughout my apprenticeship. My tutor Aima has always been approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my development.”

Regular reviews, practical guidance, and constructive feedback helped him stay on track and apply his learning effectively in the workplace.

He also found that the apprenticeship delivered much more than he originally expected.

“Alongside the technical skills, I've developed stronger analytical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and confidence in applying data to real business situations.”

Becoming a finalist at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2026

Aaqil reflected on what the nomination at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2026 meant to him:

“Being named a finalist was a proud moment. It was rewarding to see my hard work and development recognised, and it gave me confidence that I'm moving in the right direction.”

While pleased to receive the recognition, Aaqil sees the nomination as motivation to continue learning rather than a finish line.

“It motivates me to keep learning, improving, and making the most of every opportunity throughout my apprenticeship.”

Aaqil believes his curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement have been key to his progress. He also recognises the people who have supported him throughout his journey, from colleagues and managers to his Kaplan tutors.

He also believes recognition like this represents more than individual achievement.

“Representation and recognition like this are incredibly important because they show people that their hard work is valued and that success is achievable, regardless of their background.”

He hopes his journey encourages others to consider apprenticeships.

“I also think it encourages others to take opportunities they might not have considered before. If my journey can inspire even one person to pursue an apprenticeship or believe in their own potential, then that's something I'm proud of.”

Aaqil’s three tips for other apprentices

Reflecting on his own experience, Aaqil shares the advice he would give to other apprentices who are starting out or working through challenges during their journey.

• “My biggest piece of advice is to remember why you started. There will be challenging periods, but consistency is far more important than perfection.”
• “Apply your learning at work whenever possible, as using new skills in real situations helps them stick. Learning for the sake of learning is a bad habit. Using what you've learnt is actually crucial.”
• “Ask for help - don't be embarrassed or scared. At the end of the day, there are people there to help you. You cannot excel if you don't find answers for what you're looking for.”

Looking ahead

Aaqil is focused on continuing to develop both professionally and personally.

“I want to continue building my career in finance and data analytics while continuing my professional qualifications, with the long-term goal of completing ACCA.

“I also want to deepen my expertise in financial modelling, data analysis and emerging technologies such as AI.

“Finally, I want to keep challenging myself, continue improving year after year, and make a meaningful impact wherever my career takes me.”

Ready to start your own apprenticeship journey?

Aaqil’s journey shows how an apprenticeship can provide the opportunity to grow and build a career while gaining valuable experience along the way.

If you’re starting out or looking for your next opportunity, an apprenticeship can help you develop the skills and confidence to take your next step.

Discover Kaplan’s apprenticeship opportunities and start building the foundations for your own career journey.