National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Skills For Life

It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and this years theme is ‘Skills For Life’. We thought we’d share a bit about apprenticeships, what they involve and where to start when looking to begin a career in Accountancy.

What does studying for an apprenticeship whilst working at Whitings involve and why does it appeal to people?

Doing an apprenticeship is an ideal way of qualifying for accounting. It involves both classroom learning and on the job training, you are able to gain experience at the same time as studying towards a qualification and earning while you learn. Whitings also offers paid study leave.

Why do Whitings hire apprentices?

On average we take 13 apprentices on each year. Hiring apprentices helps with staff recruitment, retention and training. Due to the additional skills training apprentices receive, businesses also benefit from better well-rounded skills in their employees. As well as more diverse and creative workforces from the accessibility of apprenticeships to young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the process for apprentices who want to start working towards a career in accountancy?

We attend open days at local schools and colleges to engage with students and we have work experience students across the firm throughout the year, a number of which have gone on to join the firm.

Alternatively, you can start by applying for a trainee position within an Accountancy firm like Whitings, where you will gain a lot of exposure to different scenarios which will aid your studying. Subject to your eligibility for the different levels of an apprenticeship we offer AAT Level 3 and 4 and ACA/ACCA. You can find more information about apprenticeships in accountancy here: www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/apprenticeship-resources/

Which training providers do Whitings work with for apprenticeships?

First Intuition is Whitings’ preferred training provider, however, we also work with other providers where apprentices transfer to Whitings part way through their training and aren’t able to move to First Intuition.

First Intuition provides all of your learning materials, which includes all of the course notes and online materials that can be accessed at any time. Apprentices that train with First Intuition also receive a personal Skills Coach that provide one-on-one support to ensure you keep on track with your studies and manage your workload.

First Intuition’s training tutors are all former accountants. This is extremely helpful as it means they are all able to answer and explain all queries you may have about the course as they’ve come from different backgrounds e.g. auditors, general practice or VAT.

Where do people look for the courses they need to get into an Accountancy career?

Careers advisers at schools and colleges can provide further information. Finding an apprenticeship programme has also now been made easier with the introduction of UCAS’s Apprenticeship Service which showcases apprenticeships alongside university courses.

Below are some useful links:-

• www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
• www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
• www.aat.org.uk
• www.icaew.com/for-current-aca-students/getting-started/how-to-guides-for-aca-students
• www.accaglobal.com

Current Vacancies

Click here to discover our current vacancies available at Whitings LLP.

Get In Touch

Are you looking for an apprenticeship in Accountancy and want to work with us at Whitings LLP?

Contact us today and we can help you in starting your career in Accountancy.

Disclaimer - All information in this post was correct at time of writing.