Dublin companies can help create 40 jobs in the capital and boost their finance teams by participating in the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship scheme which starts in January.
The apprenticeship is an ‘earn-as-you-learn’, work-based study programme, with tuition costs fully covered by the State.
This is a modern, practical route to a career in accountancy where employers nurture talented participants with the potential to become professional Accounting Technicians with wide-ranging skills.
Employers pay apprentices the national minimum wage (€19,000 per annum) and three week’s paid study leave per year, which includes exam dates, during the two-year programme.
Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) is inviting Dublin employers interested in recruiting for the programme, which commences on January 14, to get in contact as soon as possible.
ATI sources and screens applicants and then refers them to employers for interview.
Large accountancy firms such as Grant Thornton and BDO, smaller high street practices as well as organisations in industry and the public sector have embraced the apprenticeship programme.
Head of Finance at the National Gallery of Ireland, Mary Leane, who this year took on apprentice Katie Haverty through the scheme described the concept as fantastic, with quality of training second to none.
“We are taking on another new apprentice in January and are more than happy to do so,” said Mary.
“I’ve often come across graduates who aren’t able to put theory into practice after they qualified, but this course enables the student to apply what they have learned straight away, which makes the academic side easier for them.
“I would highly recommend the course to any employer, especially as there are no recruitment or course fees involved.”
Accounting Technician apprentices work four days a week with a registered employer and attend college lectures one day a week on a Tuesday at ATI’s Academy.
The programme leads to a Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Accounting and successful graduates may then progress to a full accountancy qualification with Chartered Accountants Ireland or one of the other professional accountancy bodies.
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 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. ATI sources and screens applicants and then refers them to employers for interview.
Prospective employers should contact Accounting Technicians Ireland on 01-649 8191 or email [email protected] for more information.
