Press releases

Contact our press office on 0845 863 0783 (UK) or +44 207 397 1253 (outside UK) or email prteam@aat.org.uk Lines are open Monday to Friday, 09.00 - 17.00, UK time. View our latest blog posts at www.aatcomment.org.uk

New funding available for schools, colleges and learning providers to help celebrate VQ Day

17/04/2013

The Edge Foundation, which champions technical, practical and vocational education, is making funding available for schools, colleges and learning providers to help raise awareness of the benefits of skills-based learning.

The funding will go towards events to mark VQ Day on 5 June 2013, a national celebration of the practical and vocational achievements of learners of all ages. The regional events will aim to help students understand more about vocational qualifications and get the edge for their future careers.

AAT and CEBR report - Is a university degree the best route into employment?

04/03/2013

Research by AAT has revealed that vocational qualifications, such as apprenticeships, offer better employability and earning potential than university qualifications. 44% of graduates from class of 2012/13 predicted to be unemployed or underemployed.

SMEs in the dark about changes to the PAYE system

18/02/2013

One in three SMEs has no knowledge of Real Time Information (RTI) and what it means for their business, according to a recent report from AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). This is despite the major changes to the PAYE system coming into effect from April. 

The survey of 1,000 decision makers, managers and directors of SMEs carried out in January this year, revealed that: 

Schools drop vocational qualifications after league table change

29/01/2013

Just a year after the decision to strip the majority of vocational qualifications from performance tables, schools are axing practical training courses despite recognition by school leaders of their value to learners.

Mums stuck in ‘Groundhog Day’ lack confidence when returning to work

11/12/2012

Seven in ten mums are trapped in 'Groundhog Day' amid the tedious routine of ferrying kids to school and keeping on top of endless housework, it emerged yesterday.

Employers shunning traditional school qualifications

21/11/2012

UK employers are shunning traditional school qualifications according to new research from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Just 22% of employers think qualifications are an important factor when considering who to hire while 88% focus on candidates’ skills.

Staff Training Budgets Remain Strong Despite Weak Economy

26/10/2012

A new survey by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) has found that, despite a sluggish economy, employers are still investing heavily in staff training and skills. Over nine in ten (92%) employers expect to invest either the same or more time and money on improving staff qualifications and skills next year as this. Nearly half (44%) of those surveyed expect to use more in-house training in future and almost a third (31%) expect to focus more on remote-learning resources.

AAT launch ethics microsite

25/10/2012

AAT has launched a new microsite on one of the most important issues within the finance and accountancy sector - ethics. The microsite is open to all AAT students, members and the general public in order to boost ethical standards, professionalism and code of conduct across all areas of accountancy and finance.

Back to work mums face hefty pay cuts

17/10/2012

Mums who quit their chosen profession to have a baby face a pay cut of up to £20,000 a year when they return to work, research revealed yesterday.

Professions for Good launches inaugural prizes for best journalism, blog or essay on ‘professional ethics’

09/10/2012

Body representing over 1.2 million UK professionals launches writing prizes to focus on the importance of professional ethics and standards in 2012

Professions for Good, a collaboration of many of the UK’s largest professional bodies, has today launched the inaugural Professions for Good Prize to promote the role that professional ethics and standards play in British society. 

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