FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP ACCOUNTING (TWO YEARS)

Intro to the course:

This 2 year course is for pupils in S5 it gives students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to enter a career in Accountancy. It also contributes directly to the achievement of the Modern Apprenticeship in Accountancy (AAT) by attainment of core units within the MA qualification and will contribute towards professional qualifications. 

Accountants help businesses keep track of their money, find new ways to grow and make bigger profits. If you love a challenge and you’re a good problem-solver, a Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy could be your solution.

An FA in Accountancy is a great way to get hands-on experience in this fast paced, constantly changing industry. You will have the unique chance to develop skills and knowledge across a range of accountancy topics in a classroom, alongside a valuable work placement with an employer. 

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for S5 school pupils wishing to undertake the Foundation Apprenticeship (over two years) as an alternative to a Higher.

What will I study?

• National Progression Award (NPA) in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6
• Two units of the SVQ AAT advanced diploma in Accounting 
• Work based learning with an employer

AAT is the UK's leading accounting technician qualification professional membership body offering practical, vocational qualifications which provide students with internationally recognised finance and accountancy skills that can open doors in any industry across the world. 

Next step course options

Foundation Apprenticeships are directly aligned to three primary progression pathways. These are: 

• Modern Apprenticeship - pupils completing the Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy will have achieved a large proportion of the requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6. The Foundation Apprenticeship includes units from the modern professional element - AAT units. This would mean the learner will not have to repeat those units and just undertake the remaining professional qualification units and other aspects of the MA framework. 
• Further Education - all Scottish Further Education Colleges recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy as an eligible qualification towards Higher National study, alongside other qualifications. 
• Higher Education - Scottish Universities recognise the Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy as an eligible qualification towards under-graduate degrees and graduate apprenticeship provision, alongside other qualifications. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessments range from:

• SQA secure assessments which can be open-book, closed-book, reports, presentations, group work and observations
• the work based challenge unit is a project set by industry

Why should I choose this course?

This course will allow pupils to gain vocational qualifications that combine sector specific skills alongside the knowledge that underpins these skills in a workplace setting while still at school.

The Financial Services sector in Scotland is the most significant sectoral contributor to Scotland's economy.  Therefore there are excellent career prospects for motivated and talented young people.

Top skills requested in the accountancy profession include:

• accounting
• budgeting
• account reconciliation
• external auditing
• VAT returns

Demand for skills such as data analysis and data management are projected to grow globally in the accountancy profession over the next year.

In Scotland, it is expected that there will be a requirement for 13,700 people to fill job openings in business and finance occupations between 2021 and 2024.  In the medium-term, between 2023 and 2031, there is expected to be a requirement for 28,000 people.

Where can this course lead?

The Foundation Apprenticeship supports the commitment to provide relevant work-based vocational education and training as part of the senior phase curriculum. This will prepare young people for direct entry into a career in the Accountancy sector by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively from day one of employment. This includes both the development of practical and technical skills alongside the development of learner meta-skills, supported via the project-based learning. It also highlights meaningful vocational pathways as challenging and valuable alternatives to existing academic subjects.

What are the entry requirements?

• Students must have gained one or more Nat 5’s by the end of S4, to include English, Maths (or Application of Maths), Business or Accounting 
• Students must be studying a minimum of 1 or more Highers in S5.  in any of the following areas: English, Economics, Maths, Accounting 
• Students must be entering S5 and fully committed to studying a Foundation Apprenticeship over 2 years.
• Students must have a genuine interest in developing greater awareness of this industry and have a strong desire to work in the sector.

Any offer will be based on your application and a recommendation from your school. 

What are the interview arrangements?

All applications should be submitted to your school. 

Other information:

Year 1: NPA: Tuesday/Thursday 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm 

Year 2:  Tuesday 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm, 9.30am – 4.00pm Thursday. 

This course will run from August to June each year, and you will be required to complete some work at home.