October 2024
Rob Alder tells us why apprenticeships have so much to offer anyone looking to access a career in accountancy.
Across the UK in recent years apprenticeships have been revitalised.
No longer only associated with training for a trade, they now offer access to the professions, and accountancy is no exception.
Accounting apprenticeships are now well established. And at a time when university tuition fees and a cost of living crisis are putting university degrees out of reach of many the apprenticeship route is hugely appealing, offering an access route to a rewarding career.
Inclusion, integrity and innovation are ACCA’s core values and for this reason we support a range of learning routes to improve accessibility to adult education.
Public sector
As the market has matured and with the needs of employers constantly changing, there have been a number of new developments in England to use apprenticeships in different ways.
ACCA’s Level 4 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship can now be tailored specifically for the public sector. It includes the technical, professional and ethical skills all finance professionals need to thrive in public finance roles.
By listening to the needs of the public sector, we have been able to incorporate our Certificate within the duration of the Level 4 Apprenticeship to add tailored content into the programme. Launched this summer with First Intuition, the learning programme includes ACCA’s Certificate in Public Financial Management enabling them to apply their Level 4 Apprenticeships more closely to their roles across the public sector.
Data analytics
The growing importance of data analytics is reflected in a brand new exclusive partnership between ACCA and Kaplan as part of a Finance Analyst Apprenticeship at Level 3.
Accountants increasingly need to understand and utilise technology to make informed business decisions, and that’s why data analytical skills are so important. Through this collaboration with Kaplan, students can use ACCA’s Foundation level units to gain strong technical accounting knowledge within the Finance Analyst apprenticeship, which will enable them to progress onto becoming an accountant with strong data skills and develop a career as a data analyst with a strong underpinning knowledge of business that an ACCA qualification with offer them.
Learners who choose this additional accounting route will benefit from Kaplan’s expertise in developing OnDemand courses for ACCA’s qualifications which have, for many years, led the way in online learning.
Matt Rawlins, Director of Sales and Account Management, Kaplan Professional UK, said: “We’re delighted to announce an innovative new pathway for individuals looking to progress their careers in accountancy. Our new partnership with the ACCA focuses on all the essential skills required for today’s modern accountant. “Mastering data is crucial in the current landscape, and we are excited to collaborate with the ACCA to launch this ground-breaking initiative.”
ACCA apprenticeships develop people with the financial skills, business expertise and ambitious mindset they need to succeed. They also offer cutting-edge training whilst offeringyou the chance to earn and learn.
As the world’s most forward-thinking professional accountancy body, we’re experts at what we do, and passionate about supporting people to build the skills that the accountancy profession, UK economy and world needs.
Find out more about ACCA apprenticeships at our website as follows:
Public sector: https://tinyurl.com/2cx89ut8
Data analytics: https://tinyurl.com/bdd8zuxb
- Rob Alder is head of apprenticeships and relationships at ACCA
