Where will this course lead?

This AAT level 3 apprenticeship course will give the apprentice the skills needed to work in a variety of job roles such as Assistant Accountant, Trainee Accounting Technician, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant, Purchase Ledger Clerk and Sales Ledger Clerk.  The course also provides the foundation for progression into a number of career paths in the Accounting sector including Audit Trainee, Corporate Recovery Analyst, Credit Controller or Tax Accountant.

As part of the course, the apprentice has the opportunity to register as a student member with the Association of Accounting Technicians and sit the individual examinations which make up the AAT's Advanced Level Diploma in Accounting.

What will I study?

The apprentice will be required to study the knowledge, skills and behaviours which are essential in accounting.  Knowledge areas include:

- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Accounting, Ethical Standards
- IT Systems and Processes and Business Awareness. The course also aims to develop the apprentice's analysis, communication and problem solving skills and emphasizes the need to produce quality and accurate financial information to managers on a timely basis.

The apprentice may also need to study functional Maths and English Level 2 qualifications depending on previous achievements.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered through a combination of classroom teaching, practical workshops, directed study, independent learning/self- study and tutorials. 

As an apprentice a vast amount of learning takes place 'on the job' through training and the practical application of skills, knowledge and behaviours.

Typically, the apprentice will attend college for 7 hours a week over a period of at least 12 months.  It is also expected that the apprentice will devote an equivalent amount of time outside of college hours carrying out independent study.

The apprentice will receive 1:1 support and coaching from an allocated coach who may visit the workplace every 6 to 8 weeks.   The apprentice will be required to build a detailed portfolio providing practical evidence from the job role to demonstrate that the required knowledge, skills and behaviours have been developed. 

The duration of the AAT level 3 apprenticeship will vary from 12 to 24 months depending on the start date and whether Level 2 study is to be incorporated into the programme (see below)

What qualifications will I get?

Upon successful completion of the end assessment, the apprentice will have achieved full competency as an Accounts Assistant.  The apprentice may also be awarded the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting on successful completion of all Advanced level examinations.

Level 2 Functional Skills English and Level 2 Functional Skills Maths (if taken)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages throughout the AAT level 3 apprenticeship- this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent end point assessment when the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum requirements of skills, knowledge and behaviours as detailed in the apprenticeship standard.

The end assessment consists of the following 2 components and can be taken after 12 months on-programme learning.

How do I get a place on the course?

Employers can receive advice and support from the Employer Services team at Solihull College & University Centre.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirement for this AAT level 3 apprenticeship will be decided by each employer, but is likely to be five GCSEs at Grade C or higher including Maths and English.  A sound knowledge and competence in double entry bookkeeping is also a prerequisite for this course and this will be tested before enrolment.  If the apprentice does not have this underpinning knowledge, a course of AAT Level 2 study can be incorporated into this apprenticeship which will impact the length of study.