Third highest scoring apprentice in the whole of Northern Ireland: Accounting Technicians Exam Success for Amber

Congratulations South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) student Amber Scott for her outstanding performance in her Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) examinations. Hard work and dedication to her studies placed her third highest scoring apprentice in the whole of Northern Ireland.

Amber (23) from Newtownards, came to study at SERC’s Lisburn Campus when she realised that her current career path of studying chemistry wasn’t her true passion. After embarking on several economics and management accounting modules, Amber knew that a career in accounting was the one for her.

When researching how she could make her dream career a possibility, while still earning a wage and gaining valuable work experience, Amber came across SERC’s HLA course in Accounting.

Speaking about her decision to come to the College Amber said,

 “SERC was the perfect choice for me. The best part about completing this HLA was the combination of work experience alongside the theory behind it in the classroom. I believe this helps shape you for future employment much better than just study alone. It is also extremely beneficial to have the eight hours a week contact time with tutors to aid learning and I enjoyed networking with other students who are working in a similar field.”

She concluded, “I am absolutely thrilled with my results. I was very rigorous and disciplined with my revision. My tutors were extremely dedicated and happy to help by email or meeting with me at College to answer any questions. They really supported me to give my best performance possible in the exam.”

Amber is currently employed as Assistant Finance Accounting Officer with Clanmill Housing Association. She plans to continue her studies this September through Chartered Accountants Ireland in order to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.

William Greer, SERC Chief Training and Contracts Officer said, 

“I would like to congratulate Amber on her excellent results. Here at SERC, our Higher-Level Apprenticeship programmes are designed to give students the support and tools necessary to succeed in their chosen field, helping students, like Amber, flourish in their chosen career such as accounting.

“The growing cost of university tuition fees combined with a competitive job market,  means it is vital that students possess relevant work experience in their chosen field to have that competitive edge. I would encourage anyone progressing on to higher education to consider the HLA route for work and study.”