LIMERICK students whose first college choice may not have worked out can jump straight into a career in accountancy from January on a new ‘earn-as-you-learn’ programme with Accounting Technicians Ireland.
The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is a funded, work-based learning programme where locally-placed apprentices will earn at least €19,400 a year.
Local employers such as Grant Thornton, The Revenue Commissioners and Ballyhoura Development have already come on board the new apprenticeship programme.
Students with Leaving Certs and mature learners can apply for the programme, run in co-operation with Limerick and Clare ETB, through Accounting Technicians Ireland.
This apprenticeship provides a real alternative for Leaving Certificate students who prefer practical training to a full-time college programme, or for students who may have embarked on a college course and found that it didn’t suit them.
It is also an attractive option for existing employees and mature learners who would like to pursue a career in accounting.
Apprentices will work with local employers in their office for four days a week and study in a local college one day a week during the two-year programme, which begins in January.
Successful graduates of the apprenticeship programme may then progress on to full Accountancy with Chartered Accountants Ireland or one of the other professional accountancy bodies.
The practical nature of the programme, the salary and the fully-funded fees make the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship particularly appealing to School Leavers who prefer learning by experience to a full-time college education, according to Gillian Doherty, Chief Operations Officer at Accounting Technicians Ireland.
“When students complete the apprenticeship programme, they will have a strong, in-demand accountancy QQI Level 6 award, two years of solid work experience and the opportunity if they wish, to progress to further study in accountancy, business or finance,” said Ms Doherty.
“This is a pan-sectoral programme which meets the needs of industry, practice and the public sector, and graduates enjoy exemptions from the full range of professional accountancy bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland, CPA, ACCA, CIMA and IIPA.”
