Apprenticeships are a popular choice for someone looking for on-the-job training and the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications whilst earning a wage. Most of your training will be directly linked to the career you have chosen, gaining practical experience in the workplace, backed up by attendance at college just one day a week.

An Assistant Accountant provides support to internal and external customers and will work predominately either as an Assistant Accountant within practice or alternatively within the Finance function of an organisation. Part of their role will involve assisting in the day-to-day financial activities such as data entry to month end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements. In addition, the Assistant Accountant may find themselves involved in regulatory financial requirements such as the completion of Value Added Tax (VAT) returns or assisting in the preparation of tax computations.

What the course leads to

What courses can I do after this? 

On successful completion of this Apprenticeship, you could then progress on to AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting to complete the full professional qualification. You could also progress in your chosen career at supervisory/management level.

What do I need to apply

To do this course you should have... 

Individual employers set the selection criteria, but you will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 (formerly A*- B)  including English and Maths, and a Level 2 Accountancy qualification, although some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience. Apprentices without English or Maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.

All applicants for Apprenticeship training will be required to attend an interview and may require an Accountancy test to ensure they are able to cope with the course.

Course costs

Course Code Start Date Costs 16-18 Costs 19-23 (with concessions) Costs 19+ (no concessions)
BP20012 Various TBC TBC TBC

* Please note fees are subject to change.

Course content

Course Content 

To gain the full Apprenticeship you will work towards the following:

The end-point assessment (EPA) for this apprenticeship will consist of two parts:

  • A synoptic end-test giving the apprentice the opportunity to tackle a series of business-related tasks through a simulation. This will be assessed through the existing Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) synoptic assessment that maps to the current AQ2016 Advanced Accounting Qualification (Level 3).

  • A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard, gathered from the apprentice’s practical experience in the workplace, combined with a reflective discussion: a structured interview to examine the portfolio evidence and the learner journey in more detail. The reflective discussion will be conducted by an Independent Assessor (IA) appointed by AAT.

During the programme, you will initially learn the concept of double-entry bookkeeping. This will be followed by level 3 AAT unit exams to complement your apprenticeship qualification.

More info

Start Day/Time 

Tuesdays 9.30am - 4.30pm

Duration 

18 Months

Attendance 

Apprenticeship

Level 

Level 3

Qualification Name 

Apprenticeship Standard

Awarding Body 

AAT

Curriculum Area 

Business, Service Industries and ESOL - Business and Finance

More about the course 

Where possible staff from Bournemouth and Poole College will help to find you an employer and a place of work (although students who are already employed are welcome to apply if sponsored by their employer). Your offer of Apprenticeship training will be dependent upon work placements being available.

Whilst your technical skills and knowledge will develop over the course of your Apprenticeship you will also need to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess relevant skills and personal qualities and are willing to work and to learn.

Employers will look for:

  • Good communication skills
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good numeracy skills
  • Good Computer skills
  • Ability to carry out calculations
  • Reliability and flexibility
  • Ability to work in a team as well as on your own initiative

Academic Year 

2024/25

Duration 

18 Months

Attendance 

Apprenticeship

Level 

Level 3

Qualification Name 

Apprenticeship Standard

Awarding Body 

AAT