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The AAT apprenticeship scheme
Apprenticeships are formal, nationally recognised training programmes for ambitious individuals. Apprentices have the opportunity to achieve a qualification while developing hands-on skills and experience in the workplace.
How successful are apprenticeships?
The government has committed to recruit 75,000 new apprentices by 2014. In a survey for the Learning and Skills Council in 2009, 92% of employers said that their apprenticeship scheme produced better motivated staff and higher level of job satisfaction.
Well-known organistions including P&G, KPMG, RSM Tenon, NHS and BT offer AAT apprenticeship schemes. Watch our short video of TUI Travel describing how they set up their AAT apprenticeship scheme.
The benefits of apprenticeships
Benefits of AAT apprenticeships for your employee are:
- An invaluable mix of theoretical learning and practical training - a combination unmatched by any other scheme.
- A perfect foundation for your employees who want a fast-track route to chartered accountancy. The AAT Accounting Qualification gives your employees generous exemptions to study with CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, ICAS and ACCA.
Benefits of AAT apprenticeships to you as an employer are:
- Savings on the cost of recruitment and training of new employees.
- Savings on the costs of developing and retraining existing highly skilled staff.
- A talent pool of loyal employees who can then progress to chartered accountancy.
What will I need to do during the apprenticeship?
As an employer of an apprentice, you'll need to commit to supporting their time spent out of the office, and provide a mentor for them at work.
Regular quarterly review meetings with the trainee, line manager and training provider help to ensure your apprentice's training complements the tasks they’re doing at work. These will be in the workplace, to minimise interruption to your working day.
You won’t be bombarded with forms and paperwork. Your employee’s training provider will do most of the administration for you, including a health and safety check.
How much will an apprenticeship cost?
£95.00 per week is the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. Many employers choose to pay more than this and, according to the National Apprenticeship Service, the average salary is approximately £170.00 per week.
Funding is available for both new and existing employees depending on the apprentice’s age and experience.
You can access full funding for all 16 to 18 year olds, so you only need to pay their salary. You may be eligible for funding for apprentices aged 19 years and over.
Funding incentives vary between regions. Your regional apprenticeship agency will have more information:
- England - National Apprenticeship Service
- Wales - Welsh Government
- Scotland - Skills Development Scotland
- Northern Ireland - Department for Employment and Learning.
Our Account Management team is also available to help you find financial support. You can call them on 0845 863 0795, (UK). Lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00 (UK time).
How do I set up an apprenticeship?
You’ll work closely with an AAT Approved training provider and your regional apprenticeship agency to determine your business requirements.
They’ll help you to develop and implement a programme that suits you and your employees. This includes working with you to agree a training plan, advice on funding options, and managing and evaluating your apprentice.
They may even help you with recruitment, or you can advertise your trainee vacancies on the AAT Jobs site.
- Download your bespoke AAT apprenticeship guide.
- Contact your regional apprenticeship agency:
England - National Apprenticeship Service
Wales - Welsh Government
Scotland - Skills Development Scotland
Northern Ireland - Department for Employment and Learning. - Choose an AAT Approved training provider and set up a meeting with them. They’ll help you with the administration and complete most of the paperwork for you.
- Confirm the number of current employees and/or new recruits you want to start an apprenticeship.
- Hire your ideal candidate(s) and start the apprenticeship programme.
More help and information
To find out more about apprenticeships, speak to our Account Management team on 0845 863 0795, (UK). Lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00 (UK time).