Where will this course lead?

This AAT Level 3 apprenticeship course will give the apprentice the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work in a variety of job roles such as Assistant Accountant, Trainee Accounting Technician, Accounts Clerk, Finance Assistant, Credit Controller, Audit Trainee

As part of the Level 3 apprenticeship, the apprentice may sit the individual examinations which make up the AAT's Advanced Diploma in Accounting to achieve this additional qualification.

What will I study?

The apprentice will be required to gain the knowledge skills and behaviours that are essential to working in an accounting/finance role.

The knowledge elements comprise:

· Business Awareness

· IT systems and Processes

· Financial Accounting and Reporting

· Ethical Standards

· Management Accounting

The skills elements comprise:

· Analysis

· Communications

· Problem Solving

· Produces quality and accurate information

· Uses systems and processes

The behaviours elements comprise:

· Embracing change

· Adding Value

· Ethics and Integrity

· Personal accountability

· Productivity

· Team work and collaboration

The apprentice may also need to study functional Maths and English Level 2 qualifications depending on previous achievements

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered through a combination of classroom teaching, directed study, independent learning/self-study and tutorials. We provide a variety of digital and paper-based resources to support apprentices in their learning at college and at home.

Typically, the apprentice will attend college for 7 hours a week over a period of at least 12 months. It is 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 6-8 weeks. The apprentice will be required to build a detailed portfolio providing practical evidence from the workplace 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 Assistant Accountant Level 3 apprentice is typically 15-24 months depending on the start date

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship

AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting Level 3 (if all individual unit exams are passed)

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

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages through 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 point assessment consists of the following 2 components and can be taken after 12 months of on programme learning - this is referred to as entering Gateway.

Assessment Method

Role simulation - AAT Online Synoptic Assessment

Professional discussion with an AAT assessor supported by portfolio of work-based evidence

How do I get a place on the course?

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

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirement for this AAT Level 3 apprenticeship will be decided by each employer but is likely to be five GCSEs at Grades 4 or higher, including Maths and English. A sound knowledge of and competence in double entry booking is also a prerequisite for this course and this will be tested before enrolment. If the apprentice does not have this underpinning knowledge, a Level 2 accounting apprenticeship is recommended.

What can I do after this course?

Successful apprentices may gain promotion within their organisation.

They may also progress to the Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician Apprenticeship - Level 4 or the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting. There may be a delay between the end of the Level 3 Apprenticeship and the start of Level 4 courses.