A PENKETH teen’s future is adding up after he was awarded a scholarship to help him with his accountancy studies.

Zach Wilde, of South Dale, in Penketh, is one of only 19 students in the country to receive the Kaplan scholarship.

The Priestley College student will carry out an apprenticeship as an analyst accountant with Manchester-based ASC Renewables and receive full training, worth up to £15,000, to become a fully qualified management accountant.

The 18-year-old said: “It takes some of the pressure off because I don’t need to pay for my training, which makes a big difference.

“Throughout high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do but since coming to Priestley I have discovered that I really enjoy accountancy.”

He will be expected to complete three years of study in accountancy at the Kaplan Building in Manchester and was selected after a phone interview followed by a face-to-face meeting with a group of leading employers who also asked him to give a business presentation.

Just by applying, Zach improved his chances of securing an apprenticeship job as 48 per cent of shortlisted applicants go on to find employment through Kaplan’s free recruitment service.

Priestley tutor Peter Bann said Zach, who studies A-Levels in accounts and business studies, deserved his success.

He added: “Zach has worked hard and shown a talent for accountancy so we’re very proud that he has secured this prestigious scholarship.”