What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are designed to offer a real alternative to full time college and offer young people the opportunity to develop through working and learning activities. Most apprentices are employed. The employer will provide the apprentice with on the job training. The apprentice will also be required to attend a college for off the job learning. The completion of an apprenticeship in accountancy will also allow progression to a professional accountancy qualification.

Apprenticeship levels

There are 2 levels to an apprenticeship:

· Apprenticeship (foundation apprenticeship in Wales)
· Advanced apprenticeship (modern apprenticeship Wales)

Apprenticeship framework

The framework for the apprenticeship in accounting was developed by AOSG, the sector skills body for accountancy, according to the needs of employers. All stakeholders are consulted in the development of frameworks to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Apprenticeship frameworks developed by AOSG are only available in England and Wales.

The elements contained in all apprenticeships are:
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· NVQ (level 2 for an apprenticeship and level 3 for the advanced apprenticeship)
· Key skills in communication and application of number
· Employment responsibilities and rights (ERR)
· Technical certificate (contained within NVQ for accounting apprenticeships)

How long will it take to complete an apprenticeship?

Although apprenticeships are not about time serving, training periods are approximately:

· Apprenticeship – 12-24 Months
· Advanced apprenticeship – 12-24 months

Which level will I start at?

Your previous achievements and aptitude will inform whether you start at the apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship stage. Your tutor will help you to decide where to start.

How much will it cost?

You will need to pay for support materials to help with the course such as text books. In most cases, the tuition will be paid by government funding. Your employer may also contribute to your training funding. Your tutor or employer can help to advise on how your apprenticeship training will be funded.

Opportunities for progression

By completing an advanced apprenticeship, you can go onto further study to a level 4 NVQ which is equivalent to an undergraduate qualification. Successful completion of a level 4 NVQ can enable progression to a professional accountancy qualification. Some awarding bodies have exemptions to the professional accountancy bodies’ qualifications. Please see the links page for awarding body and professional body websites.

What should I do next?

If you are interested in taking an apprenticeship in accounting, you can find out which training providers and employers are offering apprenticeships in accounting by visiting the apprenticeships website www.apprenticeships.gov.uk . Alternatively, you can call the helpline on:

· 0800 0150 600 (England)
· 029 2090 6801 (Wales)
· 0845 8502 502 (Scotland)

If you are already employed, your employer can contact the employer helpline on 0800 0150 400 or visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk to find out how to become involved in apprenticeship training.

NVQ

The accounting NVQ is based on National Occupational Standards of competence developed by AOSG. The NVQ is provided by awarding bodies via their approved centres. The standards are separated into units with each one focussing on particular skill areas you will need to achieve. This includes sector specific units and general work related units.

You can achieve your NVQ by showing you are competent to perform task needed to fulfil a role, set by the occupational standards. A variety of evidence will be needed to show you are competent against each unit. Your training provider will assign an assessor to you who will determine if you have achieved the required standard by a variety ways including observation in the workplace. The accounting NVQ also has an examined element.

Key Skills

There are six key skill qualifications available, application of number, communication, information technology, problem solving, improving own learning and performance and working with others. The key skills are applicable to England and Wales. Core skills are applicable in Scotland.

To complete the accounting apprenticeship, you will need to achieve the following key skills qualifications:

Apprenticeship
· Application of number – level 1
· Communication – level 2

Advanced apprenticeship
· Application of number – level 2
· Communication – level 2 (you will not have to redo this key skill if it has been achieved at the apprenticeship stage)

If you have taken GCSE’s in the past 5 years, you may not need to take key skills qualifications. You can receive a concession if you have achieved grades A-C in English and maths in the last 5 years. Concessions are also available, in some cases, for other qualifications. Your tutor will be able to advise you whether the qualifications you hold are eligible for a concession against the key skills qualifications.

Employment responsibilities and rights (ERR)

Employment responsibilities and rights focussing on the apprentice learning about the world of work and employment. Areas that are covered in this include:

· Statutory Responsibilities and Rights
· Contracts of Employment
· Anti-discrimination
· Working Hours and holiday entitlements
· Absence and sickness
· Data Protection & access to personal information
· Health & Safety
· Legislation & Codes of Practice for the Accountancy Sector
· Your occupation and the accounting sector

You will complete an ERR workbook that requires you to complete a number of activities The work book will then need to be “signed off” by your employer and local training provider to confirm that you have completed this part of the apprenticeship.

The signed page of the ERR workbook along with copies of your NVQ and other certificates will be sent to AOSG as evidence that you have completed the full programme and are entitled to receive the Apprenticeship certificate.

You can find a copy of the ERR workbook by clicking here.