Accountancy Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is ideal for people wishing to work and progress in the field of accountancy.
Running a successful business involves a lot of financial activity from managing expenses and bills to taxes and pay role. Accountants keep track of all these things, and more, to make sure that businesses of all sizes manage their money properly and are as profitable as possible. In addition to business there are many other cases where financial assistance is required - student loans, entrepreneurs starting up new ventures, pension advice, etc. Banks, accountants and insurance companies all offer these services. The variety makes accountancy an attractive career to pursue, from managing one person's finances to those of a global corporation, and in a vast number of industries. Public sector organisations, football clubs, charities and blue chip organisations, all require accountants.
Accounting is a highly skilled profession with staff working at many different levels. Apprentices will take the accounting qualification relevant to their apprenticeship level.
You will develop a wide range of transferable skills such as how to balance accounts, process invoices and payments, complete VAT returns, help prepare financial statements and reports. Depending on the company you work for, you may specialise in one area, such as sales, or covering all these tasks as well as handling banking and petty cash.
Each apprentice has a nominated Business Development Officer who will provide co-ordination between the employer, the College and the apprentice, giving continuity and support throughout the apprenticeship.
What qualifications will I gain?
Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting - This is the Knowledge and competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires. This can be completed within 12 months.
- Functional Skills - Providing you with a good level of literacy and numeracy. Level 1 English, and Level 1 maths and Level 1 ICT.
Advanced Apprentice (Level 3)
You would have already achieved an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Accountancy in order to progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship.
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting - This is the knowledge and competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires. This can be completed within 12 months.
- Functional Skills - Level 2 English, Level 2 Maths and Level 2 ICT
How will I be trained?
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for the vast majority of your time as most of the training takes place on the job. The rest takes place at HCT. You can complete this off-the-job training on a day release basis or evening classes - each level takes a year to complete. All the things you study at college during this time will be useful in your job and help you to succeed in your future career. Your employment will usually be for at least 30 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
There are on-going assessments, which the apprentice must pass in order to obtain the qualification and progress to the next stage. Assessment will take place through practical training at college and at the work place as well as via theory which is demonstrated through a portfolio of evidence. Skills tests are taken internally, together with external exams.
What are the entry requirements?
Employers will expect at least four GCSE grades A-C including maths and English. You will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to work alone on a project to a high standard with keen attention to detail and accuracy. Applicants also need to be of a smart appearance and like working with figures. Students must be in full time employment.
Competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.
Key Facts
Campus: Hereford
Minimum Age: 16
Duration: 1 year for the Intermediate apprenticeship and a further year for the Advanced apprenticeship
Typical Employment:
From the Intermediate Apprenticeship, opportunities include accounts assistant, accounts clerk, cashier, finance assistant, purchase ledger clerk and sales ledger clerk.
From the Advanced Apprenticeship roles could include trainee accounting technician and assistant accountant positions.
Progression:
There is scope to progress further and study for a higher apprenticeship which could lead to roles such as accounts manager and accounting technician. If you complete the Higher Apprenticeship, you can progress to full membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians. You can then complete a professional accountancy qualification with a chartered body such as ACCA or ICAS. This can lead to a specialist role in accounting/or a higher education course in a subject related to accounting, banking, insurance or other financial services.
Contact: 0800 389 9805
busdev@hct.ac.uk
