Becoming an accounting apprentice

Skip the cost of university with an accounting apprenticeship: a debt-free route to employment.

Want to earn while you learn?

"An apprenticeship is the best of both worlds."

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Accounting apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work in a finance role while studying for your AAT qualification. You’ll learn from experienced colleagues, gain practical skills, achieve a qualification that employers want, and earn a salary at the same time.

Apprenticeships are for everyone

Apprenticeships alongside an AAT qualification are open to practically everyone. There’s no upper age limit: you must simply be over 16, not in full-time education and have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least three years.

So, whether you’re a school-leaver or you’ve already started working, it could be a great opportunity for you to build an exciting career in finance.

There are opportunities in virtually every industry, from accountancy practices such as KPMG, to companies such as Network Rail and Microsoft and even the NHS – so there’s no limit to your potential.

Narpreet's story

"I can’t believe what I’ve done in this time."

Find an apprenticeship

Narpreet was Microsoft’s first accounting apprentice studying AAT. Find out how her career has rocketed since she joined aged 16.

Earnings and costs

You won’t have to pay any fees to do an apprenticeship, no matter what age you are. All training costs are paid by your employer and the government.

If you're aged 16 to 18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the national minimum wage for an apprentice. If you're 19 or over and you've completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the national minimum wage.

Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be highly employable, so there’s no limit to your salary potential. If you want to continue your career in accounting, you could expect to earn around £24,500 on completing your AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification, £52,000 by becoming a self-employed AAT Licensed Accountant (source), and £52,500 if you progress to become a chartered accountant. (Source)

How to apply

How to apply

We'll take you through the steps from applying to accepting an offer.

Read the steps and apply

Become an apprentice in Scotland
Become an apprentice in Scotland

Discover how the Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting could be your perfect starting point to develop your skills and expertise for your current and future roles.

Become an apprentice in Wales
Become an apprentice in Wales

Learn the apprenticeship levels in Wales and search for vacancies.

Get your apprenticeship guide

We're here
to help

If you're a student or an employee who'd like to become an

apprentice, download our apprenticeship guide, or speak to one of our helpful advisors on +44(0)20 3735 2434. You can also request a call back.

Our lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time.