Here at Accountancy Learning, we are thrilled to be launching our Accountancy Talent Programme!

Having left school straight after my GCSE’s I decided that accountancy was the route I wanted to take. I worked full time to fund my studies as a distance learner and spent my weekends hidden away in the library tackling AAT level 2, 3 and 4. My passion for the Talent Programme stems from here – I was desperate for an opportunity and investment for my future but unfortunately, I simply didn’t know where to start. Accountancy Learning share my passion and the whole team are enthusiastic to get involved.

We want to match great candidates with great opportunities; it’s as simple as that.

The programme is completely free for candidates and employers, so I’m sure you’re wondering what’s in it for us? If you are successful in finding employment through our Talent Programme, then we would love to be your training provider, if not then that’s okay too – we will just be grateful for the opportunity to support the future generation of accountants in taking that first step.

With offices in Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth and Falmouth and clients across the South West, we have a great network of contacts to make the programme possible. To make it successful, I want to hear from you! Many of our clients contact us when they’re looking for a new addition to their team but equally, many are happy to hear from us when we come across a great candidate for them.

As a credible (and award winning) training provider we need to ensure that the programme’s credibility isn’t impacted, so there are three stages that need to be completed before we can consider approaching our clients.

Stage One

We can arrange FREE access to our online Basic Bookkeeping course. The key word is ‘talent’ so I would love to see you achieving 90% or above. Don’t panic, this is completely achievable and the materials will fully prepare you for the progress test at the end. The progress test will then be marked by one of our Tutors and returned to you with feedback.  If you’re successful in achieving 90% or above, then you will move to stage two of the induction process. If you don’t quite meet this, then we will be in touch to discuss your options.

If you have studied AAT in the past or are currently studying for it, then please get in touch and we can discuss your circumstances on an individual basis.

Stage Two

A member of our professional and experienced team will focus on your CV, offering useful tips and guidance.

Stage Three

We want to get to know you – your goals and ambitions, your achievements and hobbies. You will be invited to one of our offices to meet a member of the team, who can help you prepare for interview.

Accountancy Learning have many Level 3, 4 and 7 accounting apprentices in training, so the programme can be completely tailored to you. If an apprenticeship isn’t for you, then perhaps as the AAT’s Distance Learning Training Provider of the Year 2019, you may like to consider our AAT distance learning route instead?

I’m sure I’ve given you a lot to think about and you may have some questions, so here are some additional things to consider:

• Minimum Wage: The latest figures can be found here https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates. Apprentices are entitled to an apprentice wage if they are;
  • Under 19
  • Over 19, but in the first year of their apprenticeship
• Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you an apprenticeship or a job but we will do our very best to help you on your way. If you complete all three stages above, then you will be added to our Talent Programme and we will be on standby to match you to suitable vacancies as they arise.
• Many employers plan to invest time and money into your training and development so will offer permanent positions from the outset. This however doesn’t mean that they can’t change their mind if you aren’t performing in your role or studies. So, if you’re lucky enough to be given the opportunity, then please make the most of it!

Apprenticeships have the added bonus in that there is no student loan to pay back, in fact you will be earning whilst you study and you’ll gain work experience, which is pretty fantastic.

I hope this has been a helpful read but if I haven’t covered something, then please just get in touch and I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Our team look forward to hearing from you soon 🙂

Written by Jade Hunt