New Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy approved in Scotland

A new foundation apprenticeship in accountancy, developed by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) has now been approved.

The apprenticeship is aimed at senior phase pupils making decisions about which subjects they’ll study in S5 & S6, giving them an opportunity to take their first steps into the finance industry while gaining valuable accounting qualifications. It will take approximately two years to complete, during which pupils will complete the National Progression Award (NPA) in Accountancy at SCQF level 6 and three units from the professional qualification in Accounting and a work placement unit.

As part of the professional qualification in Accounting, pupils will be taking the AAT Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping, which is recognised by employers as delivering practical and technical skills that will prepare them for the workplace.

Lea Watson, Employer Relationships and Apprenticeships Product Manager, AAT, said: “Due to the ability to both gain well-recognised qualifications and hands-on work experience, apprenticeships are an excellent route from school to employment. They don’t just benefit the pupil with businesses of all shapes and sizes across all industries benefitting from the positive work ethic an apprentice often brings.

“We are excited that students will be working towards an AAT Bookkeeping Qualification as part of their foundation apprenticeship in accountancy, and believe this path will open many doors into a successful career, as well as helping finance employers and our training provider partners.”

Diane Greenlees, Head of Foundation Apprenticeships, Skills Development Scotland, said: “It’s really important to emphasise that these new Foundation Apprenticeships are employer-led and designed by industry, for industry and delivered with industry. This ensures that the skills apprentices learn are the ones employers want and need.

“This will support a much greater alignment of education with the skills system as we can equip both Scotland’s businesses and our future workforce with the knowledge, skills and capabilities employers and industry need now and in the future.”

The first delivery of the new Foundation Appenticeship will start from August 2018. Full details of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy can be found on the Skills Development Scotland website.