Where will this course lead?

This course includes the first level of the full AAT qualification. It is ideal for you if you are currently working in accounting, whether this is your first job since leaving education or whether you are changing career. This course will give the apprentice the skills needed to work in a variety of job roles such as Accounts Assistant / Accounts Payable Clerk / Accounts Administrator / Business Accounts Administrator / Finance Assistant Junior / Cost Accountant Assistant/ Assistant Bookkeeper / Junior Cashier / Junior Credit Control clerk / Data input clerk / Accounts Receivable Clerk/ General Administrator/ Bank Reconciliation Clerk/ Cash Poster/ Finance Administrator.

What will I study?

The apprentice will be required to study the knowledge, skills and behaviours which are essential in accounting.

The knowledge elements comprise:

- General business

- Understanding your organisation

- Accounting systems and processes

- Basic accounting

- Ethical standards

The skills elements comprise:

- Attention to detail

- Communication

- Uses systems and processes

- Personal effectiveness

The behaviours comprise:

- Teamwork

- Personal development

- Professionalism

- Customer focus

The apprentice may also need to study and pass functional Maths and English Level 2 qualifications depending on previous achievements prior to their apprenticeship enrolment.

How will this course be delivered?

Lessons will involve workshops, lectures, group work, directed study, computer packages, tutorials and individual work.

As an apprentice a vast amount of learning takes place 'on the job' through training and the practical application of skills, knowledge and behaviours.

Typically, the apprentice will attend college for up to 5 hours a week over a period of at least 12 months. It is also expected that the apprentice will devote an equivalent amount of time outside of college hours carrying out independent study. Apprentices should be given 1 day of study leave per week by their employer.

The apprentice will receive 1:1 support and coaching from an allocated coach who may visit the workplace every 6 to 8 weeks or carry out reviews via Teams. The apprentice will be required to build a detailed portfolio providing practical evidence from the job role to demonstrate that the required knowledge, skills and behaviours have been developed. The apprentice will also need to keep a log of all the training undertaken during the apprenticeship.

The duration of the apprenticeship will vary from 15 to 18 months depending on the start date.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant Apprenticeship

AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting Level 2

Level 2 Functional Skills English and Level 2 Functional Skills Maths (if taken)

How will I be assessed?

Each unit in the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting is assessed by a computer based exam set and marked by the AAT. There are four exams which make up this qualification. The minimum mark required to achieve a "pass" is 70% in each exam. Students achieving higher marks will be awarded "merit" and "distinction" grades.

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages throughout the apprenticeship - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent end point assessment when the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum requirements of skills, knowledge and behaviours as detailed in the apprenticeship standard.

The end assessment consists of the following 2 components and can only be taken after 12 months on-programme learning and the full completion of the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, this is referred to as entering Gateway.

Both of these assessments must be passed within 4 months of entering Gateway.

Assessment Method

Role simulation - AAT In Tray Test

Structured interview (supported by a portfolio of evidence summary

Both assessment methods will be conducted and graded by the AAT

How do I get a place on the course?

Employers can receive advice and support from the Employer Services team at Solihull College & University Centre.

What are the entry requirements?

Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and taken the test for level 2 prior to their enrolment on this apprenticeship. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language

You must be in relevant employment with your employer willing to support your apprenticeship.

Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements.

What else do I need to know?

If all assessment methods are not passed within 4 months from the gateway date, then the entire EPA must be repeated.

Re-sits/re-takes are not offered to apprentices wishing to move from pass to distinction.

The apprenticeship cannot be fast tracked. If you are looking for a quicker route to achieving your AAT Level 2 qualifications, then one of our part time AAT courses may be more suitable for you.

Our Employer Services team will discuss the course costs directly with the employer..

Text books cost approximately £100

What can I do after this course?

Students who are successful on this course can gain promotion within their organisation.

Successful students who meet the attendance requirements will be offered a place on the AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting or the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship. There may be a delay between the end of the Level 2 Apprenticeship and the start of the Level 3 Apprenticeship.