Paul Transcript

So I am Paul.

I am a Finance Graduate Apprentice working for the HMRC. Yep, you could describe me as a career-changer. I have spent the last 16 years in primary education, and when I left teaching, I was looking at different sectors where I could make a difference and add value to the community.

So I looked at different charity jobs, jobs within the Civil Service. And then when this position came up, I just thought it was a fantastic opportunity.

I love learning new things. You've got the Civil Service Learning Portal, that you can access marketing, finance, accounting learning that's accessible. And you're encouraged to learn which I've found really good within the Civil Service.

So the significant number for me is 46 because I was 46 when I applied to become an Apprentice. I felt that 46 was probably going to be a bit too old. To be an apprentice you normally expect apprentices to be 18 and straight out of school.

I think important for other people to realise that you're never too old to change career.

The Civil Service have a fantastic system of educating staff, either developing you within your role or looking to develop you in a different area that you might like to transition into.

I'm super proud to say that I'm part of HMRC, to be part of the Civil Service, to say that I'm part of the Government Finance Function.

When the opportunity came to talk today, I get super nervous talking to new people. My autism makes it really difficult to have chitchats and stuff, but I think it's really important that people like myself have opportunities to talk about their journeys and to share it with other people and to realise that the Civil Services as an environment will support you no matter where you come from, what sort of background you've had, what sort of educational background.