80% of an accounting apprenticeship will take place in your organisation where the apprentice should be given on-the-job training to learn how to carry out specific tasks which are relevant to a specific job role and apprenticeship level.
The remaining 20% ‘off the job training’ can be carried out by one or more of the following methods:
- College/classroom learning – these sessions tend to be available as weekly day release or in some cases evening classes. Most colleges operate on a term basis, with apprentices only being able to start their courses in September each year, although some colleges do permit a January intake.
- Specialist accounting training provider – many training providers, including Accountancy Learning, operate a ‘roll on, roll off’ approach to training which allows the apprentice to enrol at anytime of the year, thereby not being restricted to term time only teaching. In doing so, apprentices have access to tutors throughout their apprenticeship and not just during term times. Plus, without having academic year restrictions to follow, accounting apprentices with specialist training providers tend to complete their qualifications sooner than in a college/classroom environment, although the regulations required that an apprenticeship must last for at least 372 days.
- Virtual workshops and training – this style of training became more accessible during the pandemic and is likely to remain a key option in apprenticeship delivery. Typically, apprentices will log on to have a weekly 1-2-1 catch up with their tutor on MS Teams. This will include support on both the apprentice’s AAT studies, their apprenticeship portfolio and can act as a general counselling session. We think that weekly contact is key to developing a strong apprentice/tutor relationship and in maintaining motivation and study momentum. Some providers offer access to on-line live and/or recorded weekly training sessions.
- Online resources and supported self-study – many training providers have created a plethora of online study materials to support accounting apprentices across the different apprenticeship levels. These can provide useful reference materials and practical activities for apprentices to hone their accounting skills.
- Blended learning – a mix of all of the above, blended to suit the requirements of the employer and the apprentice.
At Accountancy Learning, we have developed a fully remote apprenticeship model. This has allowed us to support employers across England. Not only is this a “Roll-on-Roll-off” programme, it is very flexible, allowing you to fit in the required 6 hours of off the job training around your weekly, monthly and annual work schedule. Apprentices never “miss a class” as we have developed a blended programme of learning which encompasses online presentations and workshops, practical online exercises to complete, printed study materials to work through, and 1:1 tutor support and mentoring via weekly Teams catch ups. Apprentices based in the South West can also attend a weekly “college day” tutor supported session at on of our classroom venues in Exeter, Falmouth, Plymouth or Taunton.
