AAT: Vocational qualifications "boost knowledge base, employability and skillset"

Following Department for Education research published this week demonstrating how "lesser-known" qualifications could help boost skills and jobs, Lea Watson, AAT Product Manager for Apprenticeships, said: "During a week when school leavers up and down the country are set to receive their A-level results, it’s worth highlighting that while 1.5 million students took AS and A-levels in England last year, some 3.8 million took vocational qualifications.

"These are open and accessible to people of all ages, from those leaving school after their GCSEs right through to people who wish to take on a new challenge and enter a whole new career.

"Sticking with your studies and aiming towards the higher Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications doesn’t just boost your earnings – it also aids your overall knowledge base, employability and skillset. At AAT we regularly see students who start our qualifications with no or little prior knowledge of accounting progress right through to achieving a professional diploma at Level 4, and then often continue to chartered status with another accounting body.

"With average salaries of £27,804 for AAT members, the benefits of persevering with your qualifications can be great – and are clearly being recognised by employers."