More Than a Qualification: Will Toward's Story at Cascade Cash Management
Client
Cascade Cash Management
Skills
Apprenticeship/Level 3 Business Administrator
At just 19 years old, Will Toward has already built a career to be proud of. A Savings Administrator at Cascade Cash Management, Will recently completed his Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with Zenith, achieving a Distinction and earning a shortlist nomination for Advanced Apprentice of the Year. But his journey to get there was shaped by more than just hard work; it was about building belief in himself.
Will’s story begins at college, where a two-year business course planted the seeds of ambition. “I am very ambitious and I want to continue learning about different business fundamentals,” he explains. When his employer recommended Zenith as an apprenticeship provider, Will didn’t hesitate. The opportunity felt too good to miss, and it turned out to be exactly that.
Growing in Confidence, One Day at a Time
When Will started his apprenticeship, he had only been in full-time employment for a matter of months. By his own admission, he was anxious, hesitant to take on challenges and nervous when communicating with clients. The apprenticeship changed all of that.
“I can say, and I hope all my colleagues can agree, that I have become a new person compared to before and after my apprenticeship.” Through developing his communication, time management, and organisational skills, Will transformed not just his professional output but his entire outlook on work.
Working at Cascade means dealing with what Will describes as chaos on a daily basis. The team manages clients’ most valuable asset, their money, and the pressure to remain composed and precise is constant. For Will, the apprenticeship gave him the tools to thrive in that environment rather than feel overwhelmed by it.
Navigating Challenges with Maturity
The path wasn’t without its difficulties. During his apprenticeship, Cascade lost three team members within the space of three months, leaving the remaining staff to absorb a significantly increased workload. For Will, this created a real tension between his day job and his studies.
Rather than letting either side suffer, Will took a proactive approach. He was transparent with his team about when he needed protected time for his apprenticeship, and worked to create a healthy balance between both responsibilities. “This was very difficult,” he admits, “but we pulled through, and the healthy balance became a habit.” It’s a small but telling insight into the kind of professional Will is becoming.
A Support Network That Made the Difference
Will is clear about who helped him most throughout his journey, his Zenith apprenticeship lead, Annie Finlow. Whenever Will found himself stuck or uncertain, Annie was there: patient, clear, and always willing to go the extra mile, whether that meant a phone call or travelling to Will’s workplace in person.
“She has been my guiding light through this journey. I am so grateful I got Annie as my apprenticeship tutor. She has been truly amazing.”
Closer to home, Will’s team at Cascade has also played a vital role. The close-knit culture at the company, where colleagues are in daily contact and support one another as a matter of course, gave Will a strong foundation to build on throughout his studies.
Employer Voice
Working with Zenith throughout Will's Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship has been a really positive experience. The support and guidance provided throughout the programme helped ensure Will was able to develop both professionally and personally, while also adding real value to our business. Over the course of the apprenticeship, Will has shown great commitment, maturity, and a willingness to learn, consistently building his confidence and skills within his role. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the progress he has made, and we look forward to seeing his continued growth and success in the future."
Looking Ahead
As Will’s apprenticeship drew to a close, his management team reached out with an exciting prospect: a team leader role. The conversations are still ongoing, but Will is keen, and it’s hard to imagine a more fitting next step for someone who has come so far in such a short time.
His advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship? Go for it. “I would advise individuals of all ages to complete an apprenticeship, especially with Zenith. When you pass and earn your qualification, you can take it with you anywhere throughout your career.”
For Will, this isn’t just the end of an apprenticeship. It’s the beginning of everything he set out to achieve.
