MODERN APPRENTICESHIP ACCOUNTING

Intro to the course:

Modern Apprenticeships (MA's)offer those aged over 16 paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level.

MA's are developed by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs).  SSCs consult with employers and key partners  in their sector to produce a training programme, which meets the needs of employers.

The Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting is a SCQF Level 6 and comprises of:

• AAT Certificate in Accounting at SCQF Level 6 (R683 04)
• Core skills
• Industry specific training

Who is the course for?

The MA in Accounting is ideal for anyone wishing to study accountancy and finance alongside a range of complementary business and person skills.

Modern Apprenticeships are available to employers aged 16 or over.  Employees need to demonstrate to their employer that they have the potential to complete the programme.  

All Modern Apprentices must have a demonstrable need to acquire significant new knowledge and skills to fulfil their job role. The modern apprenticeship framework selected for the employee must be the most appropriate learning programme generally available to that individual, providing such knowledge and skills at the appropriate level.

What will I study?

Candidates will study 3 basic areas:

• a relevant SVQ (or alternative competency based qualification).  This framework includes the AAT Certificate in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6 (R683 04)
• core skills - communication, working with others, problem solving, information and communication technology and numeracy
• industry specific training in the form of a work placement, industry set challenge or project

Next Step Course Options

Further study options available to candidates once they have complete this programme are:

• progression to HNC/HND level of study in Accounting, Financial Services, Business and other area
• candidates that achieve the HND in Accounting with us can progress to our 3rd Year Bachelor of Accounting Degree programme which we run in partnerships with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), UWS being the awarding body of this degree programme.  
• candidates can also apply to other University programmes to complete their degree level study
• progression to higher level study of AAT professional qualifications which can lead to undertaking a Graduate Apprenticeship programme. 
• The accountancy and finance knowledge developed in this qualification is also the underpinning knowledge needed for the higher-level accountancy and financial skills developed in the Level 3 Diploma in Accounting and the Level 4 diploma in Professional Accounting

How will I be assessed?

The 3 areas that you will be studying are assessed as follows:

AAT Certificate in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6 - students must achieve the three mandatory unit assessments and one synoptic assessment to achieve this qualification.  All Assessments are - set and marked by AAT; computer based; time-limited; scheduled by the  College; take place at the College under supervised/controlled conditions.

Core skills - student must complete a portfolio of evidence produced at their workplace demonstrating their competence in the range of core skills within the qualification.  This evidence must be endorsed by their allocated employer supervisor and a qualified core skills assessor from the College.

Industry specific training-  this element will be evidence by the log of work undertaken at the candidates place of work.

Why should I choose this course?

The course is ideal for anyone wishing to secure employment in the field of accountancy and finance.  The course provides invaluable work experience while studying a professional qualification.  Employability and core skills are embedded in the programme ensuring these skills are enhanced  throughout your completion of the programme.

The purpose of the Level 6 Certificate in Accounting is to offer the  foundation accounting knowledge needed to progress to employment or further study in accountancy and finance, alongside business and personal skills that are transferable to any sector and additional business knowledge relevant to accountancy.

The qualification offers a broader focus across several subject areas which enhances employability.

This qualification is also valuable for those entering the workforce for the first time or for those changing careers who would like additional support in upskilling to enter, or re-enter, a business environment.

Where can this course lead?

The accountancy and business skills developed by studying this qualification will enable a student to seek employment with confidence and/or to progress to the next level of learning.

A student completing this qualification will develop skills in double-entry bookkeeping and will understand how to use journals, control accounts and trial balance.  Students will also gain an understanding of accounting software packages, how to process financial information in accordance with company procedures and schedules, and how to provide information to colleagues, suppliers and/or customers required.

Skills developed through this qualification could lead to employment as:

• an accounts administrator
• an accounts assistant
• an accounts payable clerk
• a purchase/sales ledger clerk
• a trainee accounting technician
• a trainee finance assistant

What are the entry requirements?

The recruitment and selection of the Modern Apprentices is primarily the responsibility of the employer.  However, the following guidance is given:

Employees may enter a Modern Apprenticeship from the age of 16.  There is no upper age limit.

The Modern Apprenticeship is designed to attract high quality people to the industry.  Achievement of academic qualifications is one way of assessing the suitability of applicants.  However it should be stressed that no person should be deterred from applying for a Modern Apprenticeship because of a lack of formal educational qualifications.  

What are the interview arrangements?

The recruitment and selection of Modern Apprentices is primarily  the responsibility of the employer.  However, the following guidance is given:

Employees may enter a Modern Apprenticeship from the age of 16.  There is no upper age limit.

The Modern Apprenticeship is designed to attract high quality people to the industry.  Achievement of academic qualifications is one way of assessing the suitability of applicants.  However it should be stressed that no persons should be deterred from applying because of a lack of formal educational qualifications.  

The following factors may also influence the selection process:

• performance during a formal interview process
• references
• relevant work experience
• trial observation period

Employers should be award of the nature, relevance and quality of foreign qualifications and make appropriate allowances concerning entry requirements.

In order to promote and maintain the high status of the Modern Apprenticeship within the industry, all literature distributed for recruitment purposes should emphasise the high standards of achievement expected of the candidate.