Why is the Level 2 Apprenticeship relevant?

The lasting effects of the pandemic have greatly affected students’ studies. Both their inter-personal and academic skills development have been compromised, with some students not having the experience of sitting a formal exam. Furthermore, many have not had the opportunity to gain work experience and achieve the skills associated with first jobs, such as communication and timekeeping. The effect on young adults means that a lot of new trainees are finding it much harder to adjust to the workplace and the demands of studying for a professional accountancy qualification.

Employers are now having to focus more efforts on building soft skills as well as the professional knowledge for the new trainees.

The Level 2 apprenticeship offers a great entry-point to these trainees. The programme has been tailored to suit those with no previous experience in the workplace. The essential skills development has been built into the programme, including communication skills, effectiveness, teamwork, and double-entry bookkeeping knowledge.

The new AAT syllabus, ‘Qualifications 2022’, was launched in September 2022 and is much more robust and challenging compared to the previous syllabus. It contains less duplication; therefore, it is more important that trainees have the baseline knowledge to build upon as some topics will no longer be covered at levels 3 or 4.

Level 2 will set trainees up with a good basic understanding to effectively progress through the rest of their qualifications.

What does the Level 2 Apprenticeship Include?

The AAT Level 2 modules, exams and membership are mandated by the standard and include Introduction to Bookkeeping, Principles of Bookkeeping Controls, The Business Environment and Principles of Costing. Full syllabus content can be found HERE

The skills & development sessions are covered by the First Intuition Impact Skills programme, designed to build confidence, and develop crucial workplace skills that lay the foundations for a successful career in finance. The Skills modules are Personal Effectiveness, Producing and Communicating Quality Information, Working Effectively in a Team, and Working in a Business Environment.

A designated Skills and Development Coach will support and mentor the trainee throughout their journey.

What job roles are suitable for a Level 2 Apprentice?

There are a range of job roles suitable for someone on a Level 2 apprenticeship, including:

• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Finance Administrator
• Accounts Assistant
• Business Accounts Administrator
• Finance Assistant Junior
• Accounts Administrator
• Assistant Bookkeeper

Key Information

• The funding band for Level 2 apprenticeships is currently £6,000. The Level 2 apprenticeship is also mandated, meaning the apprenticeship needs to be completed before Gateway. The duration of a Level 2 apprenticeship is around 13 months, spending 12 months of this on programme.
• Students will test their knowledge, skills, and behaviours before moving on to their End Point Assessment after 12 months of study. This consists of an in-tray assessment and structured interview based on portfolio evidence. Technology, communication, ethics, and sustainability are themes that are embedded at level 2 and run throughout the qualification.