Apprenticeship in AAT Accounting Level 3

Programme Description

The AAT apprenticeship is a level 3 framework for individuals who are pursuing a career in accountancy.

An apprenticeship is a work based learning programme where the learner is earning while learning. The programme is ideally suited to employees who have some element of responsibility within their job role. The apprentice will be employed and receive at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage (this could be more at the employer's discretion). The apprentice will attend college on a day release basis and should achieve the level three apprenticeship framework within the agreed timescale.

At a Glance

Part Time

12 months

Pibwrlwyd Campus

Programme Features

The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that students are well prepared to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy, or into further education. Students will learn and master financial processes.

Learners will be supported by a training adviser/assessor who will monitor progress on a regular basis and will liaise closely with the employer to ensure that qualifications are achieved within timescales. They will also assess the apprentice in the workplace as required.

The AAT will require all students to register with the professional body. Restrictions to membership may apply. More information is available at www.aat.org.uk.

Programme Content

The course covers a range of complex accounting tasks, including maintaining cost accounting records and the preparation of reports and returns. It comprises four mandatory units:

Business Awareness
Final Accounting: Preparing Financial Statements
Management Accounting Techniques
Tax Processes for Businesses

All four units are assessed individually through computer based end of-unit assessments.

The course also includes both Essential Skills in Communication and Application of Number at Level 2 (Exemptions may apply).

Progression & Employment

Skills developed through this qualification can lead to employment as:

Accounts assistant
• Accounts payable and expenses supervisor
• Accounts payable clerk
• Assistant accountant
• Audit trainee
• Finance assistant
• Payroll supervisor
• Senior bookkeeper
• Tax assistant.

Completion of this qualification provides students with an opportunity to be registered as a qualified bookkeeper, or progress on to professional level and become a full member of AAT upon achieving the associated membership criteria. It also provides the foundation skills required to support the establishment of a healthy business.

Method of Assessment

The assessments are computer based with a time restriction. Each contains a range of question types and formats, for example multiple-choice questions, numeric gap-fill questions, or question tools that replicate workplace activities, such as making entries in a journal. Some assessments will require written answers.

Entry Requirements

It is recommended that level three apprentices who have not achieved a level two apprenticeship in accounting will require GCE A-level qualifications or higher, or relevant experience, plus GCSE maths and English grades A*- C or Essential Skills equivalent.

Good communication skills and any vocational experience in accounting will be of immense help (research has indicated that people without this experience are likely to experience difficulties in completing the framework if they enter the apprenticeship at level three). Please contact us for any advice regarding personal suitability of training.