(An Apprentices Guide)
How to become an apprentice?
Following on from these 6 steps, we’ve found helpful links that could help along the way to becoming an apprentice:
Finding an Apprenticeship
- Government Apprenticeship Website
- Indeed Job Search
- Reed Job Search
- Monster Job Search
- Linkedin Jobs Seach
Career Skills
- How to prepare for a job interview
- How to prepare for difficult interview questions
- Top tips for an awesome presentation
- How to make a success of the first 3 months of your apprenticeship
Which apprenticeship is the right option?
Accounting apprenticeships work similarly to the qualification levels. Below, we’ve written up a short summary of each qualification. For more information about each level, click on the icons at the bottom of this section.
Accountants Assistant (Level 2)
The level 2 apprenticeship caters for the AAT qualification. This is a great entry-level into the accountancy profession, giving the apprentices the fundamental technical skills they need to embark on a career in finance.
Following this level 2 apprenticeship, most apprentices will move onto the level 3 Assistant Accountant which also caters for the AAT Certificate.
Duration: 12 – 14 Months
Entry Requirement: Entry requirements will be apprenticeship employer (therefore may vary). You may be required to take functional skills Maths and English at level 2. This is only if you do not already hold the equivalent qualification GCSE grade 4-9.
Qualification level: This qualification includes AAT Level 2. This is the equivalent of GCSEs.
Job Roles: Accounts Assistant, Accounting Administrator, Account Payable Clerk, Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk, Trainee Finance Assistant, Trainee Accounting Technician
Assistant Accountant Apprentice(Level 3)
The level 3 apprenticeship caters for the AAT qualification. This is a great entry-level into the accountancy profession, giving the apprentices the fundamental technical skills they need to embark on a career in finance.
Following this level 3 apprenticeship, most apprentices will move onto the level 4 Assistant Accountant/Tax Technician Apprenticeship. This caters for AAT, ICAEW, CFAB and the CIMA Certificate.
Duration: 12 – 15 Months
Entry Requirement: Entry requirements will be apprenticeship employer (therefore may vary). You will typically need five GCSEs grade 4-9. The entry requirements will be set by the employer and therefore may vary. Depending on the entry requirement, you will be required to take functional skills Maths and English at level 2 if you do not already hold the equivalent qualification GCSE grade 4-9.
Qualification level: This qualification includes AAT Level 3. The Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to 2 A levels.
Job Roles: Accounts Administrator, Accounts Payable Clerk, Bookkeeper, Payroll Officer, Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk, Tax Assistant/Trainee.
Assistant Accountant Apprentice / Tax Technician Apprentice (Level 4)
The level 4 apprenticeship caters for several qualifications such as AAT, CFAB, and CIMA Certificate. This apprenticeship offers the technical knowledge of accounting and taxation. This is as well as focusing on business awareness and ethical standards.
Following the level 4 apprenticeship, most students move on to Level 7 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship. This caters for the ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW qualifications and offers the opportunity to become a qualified accountant via an apprenticeship programme.
Duration: 18 – 24 Months
Entry Requirement: Entry requirements will be apprenticeship employer (therefore may vary). You will typically need five GCSEs grade 4-9.
Qualification level: This qualification includes AAT Level 4. The Level 4 apprenticeship is the equivalent of a foundation degree. You should have a level 3 qualification, such as A-levels, or have already completed a level 3 apprenticeship.
Job Roles: Accounts Assistant, Audit Trainee, Assistant Financial Accountant, Credit Controller, Cost Accountant, Indirect Tax Manager, Finance Assistant, Payroll Manager/Supervisor/Assistant, Tax Supervisor/Assistant, VAT Accountant.
Accounting and Taxation ProfessionalApprentice (Level 7)
The level 7 apprenticeship caters for ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW qualifications. This apprenticeship offers the technical knowledge of accounting and taxation. This is as well as focusing on business awareness and ethical standards.
Following completion of the level 7 apprenticeship, there may be further qualifications to complete in specialist areas. It can result in credits being awarded. These can go towards relevant undergraduate degrees and other relevant master’s degrees.
Duration: 36 Months
Entry Requirement: Entry requirements will be apprenticeship employer (therefore may vary). You will typically need five GCSEs grade 4-9.
Qualification level: This qualification includes ACCA, ICAEW or CIMA qualifications. The Level 7 apprenticeship is the equivalent of a masters degree. There are various qualification entry points for a Level 7 apprenticeship. Please contact us for further information to find out more.
Job Roles: Tax Advisor, Audit Manager, Corporate Finance Manager, Financial Director, Accountancy Tutor, Insolvency Manager.
Read more of our ‘An Apprentice Guide’ blogs by clicking the following icons.
What is First Intuition?
First Intuition was founded in 2007 with the aim of becoming the first choice accountancy tuition provider in the UK. We employ qualified tutors who are passionate about what they do and care about every single student’s progression. Our team provide a wealth of experience and dedicated support to ensure our students achieve great exam success.
First Intuition provides a highly personal approach and first-class service to accountancy training.
Find your local training provider by clicking here.
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