Career change from Greggs to accountancy

19 Sep 2019

ACCA's internship programme has accelerated career change after two decades for a former baker and forklift driver.


Having left school at 15, Craig Maclean worked at Greggs from 2000 as a team leader supervisor and forklift driver. When rumours of redundancies circulated, Craig decided it was time for a career change.


He went for night classes in Glasgow on bookkeeping and computerised financial accounts - getting the certificate to then complete a two-year Higher National Diploma (HND). Craig achieved straight As and then joined the third year of his Accounting degree at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).


Craig then joined ACCA's Accelerate internship programme, culminating in a speed interviewing session, where around 40 students were vying for internships with 15 employers this summer.


He landed an internship at UWS and shortly after secured a position as a Ledger Assistant in Accounts Payable at UWS.


Craig describes the whole experience as a "life-changer" for him, adding, "It's never too late to change career path. Part time study isn't a 'bed of roses', [but] the benefits you can reap from it are invaluable - if you're willing to put in the hard work."


Get the full story on Craig's vlog here

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