Apprenticeship Standard in Assistant Accountant for Adults

You will need maths and English GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 and provide certificates. If you don't have the required GCSE/ Functional Skills grades or can't provide your certificates, you will have to complete a maths and English.

Applicants must have a sound knowledge of bookkeeping principles to undertake the AAT Level 3 programme. Achievement of an AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is advantageous but not essential. Applicants will need to be employed in a relevant accounting role

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this apprenticeship through our online and on campus model. Apprentices study online materials during allotted time at work, and also attend regular sessions with a college tutor.

Online lessons can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop - meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further. Apprentices will be expected to spend 5-6 hours a week working on VLE-related activities.

On campus, apprentices benefit from weekly classes with an experienced college tutor, in person. A combination of tutor-led work, group exercises and discussion encourages apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations.This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

This equates to one day a week, three hours at our Highbury Campus and three hours' flexible learning during term-time. Typical class times are 9am-12:15pm for morning sessions or 1pm-4:15pm for afternoon sessions. Additional attendance at College may be required during half-terms/holidays for workshops and revision sessions.

The AAT course is assessed through computer-based assessments for each unit.

The end-point assessment for the apprenticeship consists of a synoptic multiple choice test and a professional discussion.

You are required to build a portfolio of your work. An assessor will be in regular contact to provide support, and to arrange on-site visits to observe your ability and skills in your daily role. It is important for you to take ownership of your own learning by seeking out opportunities to gain new skills on the job. You will be required to upload and submit your portfolio of evidence to SEPA for review.

The End Point Assessment is a structured interview that is held in a Smart Room. The training provider is responsible for ensuring you can complete the discussion in a suitable environment, either the training provider's or employer's premises. Also, part of the End Point Assessment is a synoptic assessment. The entire process from discussion to results may take up to six weeks. The results from the synoptic assessment will also take up to six weeks to be issued. Both assessment elements are graded individually. A minimum of 70% is needed to achieve a pass for the synoptic assessment, while the structured interview will be graded a fail, pass or distinction. Both results will be combined to provide an overall grade for the apprenticeship.

You can progress on to the AAT Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship at Level 4.

Upon successful completion of the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, you can apply for AAT associate bookkeeping membership and become a professional AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB). The skills and knowledge you will gain throughout this apprenticeship will qualify you for roles including Finance Officer, Assistant Accoutnant and Bookkeeper. You will also be eligible for AAT Bookkeeper (AATQB) Status, giving you the option to work as a freelance bookkeeper.