National Apprenticeship Week 2025 – we catch up with Jack Hegarty

For National Apprenticeship Week this year, we decided to catch up with Jack Hegarty. As one of our apprentices, we asked him a few questions to get a keener insight into the experience of doing an apprenticeship at Mercer & Hole.

Watch the video below where he talks about the support he has received as an apprentice, and the initiative he started at Mercer & Hole.

Check out our interview with Jack below where we asked him a few more questions about his experience…

So, Jack, how did you find yourself in an apprenticeship? What path did you take?

During sixth form I had the fortunate opportunity of completing work experience with Mercer & Hole, and then the following year I proceeded with applying for the School Leaver Programme at the firm, and managed to navigate successfully through that process to start as an apprentice in September 2019.

I’m glad you enjoyed your work experience so much that you wanted to come back! What was it that drew you to an apprenticeship in an accountancy firm?

I loved the concept of being able to learn on the job and being exposed to a working environment as soon as possible. I also had a strong interest in numbers and an accountancy apprenticeship offered the opportunity to see how numbers work within this profession.

There are lots of firms out there – what made you choose Mercer & Hole?

I thought as a mid-market firm they offered the perfect blend of the close team environment a smaller firm may offer, as well as the more established training pathways and the breadth of services offered that a larger firm might offer.

How has the apprenticeship worked?

After joining, I worked through my Level 2–4 AAT studies in the first couple of years of the apprenticeship. Once I passed AAT, I then progressed onto ACCA and am close to completing the qualification to become fully qualified. Throughout this I’ve felt really supported both internally and externally, with this support helping to ensure that my professional development is maximised and that any concerns or queries can be addressed promptly.

What have been the highlights?

I feel like I have grown massively throughout my tenure at Mercer & Hole, but some particularly special moments have included being awarded our firm’s quarterly Star Award, which is the recognition of individuals going ‘the extra mile’. Another highlight for me was earning a promotion last year to Team Leader, which was a recognition of my efforts to date.

What have been the biggest challenges?

The COVID-19 pandemic was a tough time to have to adjust to the change in the working environment. This was compounded by the fact I was only at the firm for six months before it began, which meant I relied more heavily on my team for training and support. However, through regular communication and strong teamwork, we got through it, and I found I was in a better place coming out of the pandemic, which left me in good stead for when we could return to the office environment.

What advice would you give to someone considering the programme?

I would strongly recommend this opportunity for anyone considering an apprenticeship. My main bit of advice would be to research the opportunities available in the programme and understand what skills are required so that you can evaluate whether you already have the necessary skills or if there are some areas you need to work on to become a prime candidate.

Where are you at now, and what’s next?

As of this summer, I should be fully have completed my ACCA studies and, shortly afterwards, be fully qualified. I will then be in a position to take on some broader responsibilities within my team and the wider work environment so that I’m in a position to earn a promotion to assistant manager, which is my next main goal!

Why should you apply to our apprenticeship programme?

There are so many reasons to apply for our apprenticeship – Mercer & Hole is a nurturing environment where you will get the chance to learn on the job with an encouraging team who will support you through every step of the way.

Our Early Talent Advisor, Nicola Gould, says:

“Apprentices are a big part of our firm. Supporting our young talent to develop and thrive at Mercer & Hole is so rewarding. It takes hard work and resilience to learn the skills of the job and study for their exams, but it offers huge career prospects.”

Find out more about why Mercer & Hole could be the right fit for you.

Apply to our Higher Apprenticeship Programme today.