150 jobs are to be created though a national accountancy apprenticeship programme which allows applicants to work, earn and learn.
The Accounting Technicians Ireland apprenticeship is a funded, work-based learning programme in which locally-placed apprentices earn at least €19,700 a year.
Applications for the accounting technician apprenticeships, which will be based in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Monaghan, Galway, Wicklow and Waterford are now open.
Leaving Cert students and mature learners can apply for the programme through Accounting Technicians Ireland.
This accounting technician apprenticeship provides a real alternative for Leaving Cert students who prefer practical training to a full-time college programme, or for those 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 want to pursue accounting.
Large firms such as Grant Thornton, smaller practices, as well as industry and the public sector have all embraced the programme.
Katie Haverty from Finglas began the accounting technician apprenticeship after becoming disillusioned with a full-time college course, joining finance staff in Dublin’s National Gallery.
Like all Accounting Technicians Ireland apprentices across the country, she is currently studying and working from home due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“I started an Arts degree, but there were only 12 hours of study across the whole week and I had to travel to the college for only one hour a day,” said Katie.
“I deferred the course and began working as a payroll clerk, which I loved, so when I saw the accounting technician apprenticeship online I liked everything it offered.”
“My tutors and employers are so supportive and you get 15 days study leave a year for exams, the apprenticeship takes the stress out of studying while working.”
Apprentices work four days a week and study in a local college one day a week during the two-year programme, which begins in September.
Successful graduates may then progress on to full accountancy with Chartered Accountants Ireland or one of the other professional accountancy bodies.
“Our students, when they complete the apprenticeship, gain a much in-demand accountancy QQI Level 6 award and two years of sold work experience, placing them in a strong position to progress in business or to further study,” said Gillian Doherty, Chief Operations Officer at Accounting Technicians Ireland.
“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 and CIMA.”
Accounting Technicians Ireland apprentice Katie Haverty became disillusioned with a full-time college course, and joined finance staff in Dublin’s National Gallery. For more details see accountingtechniciansireland.ie Pic: Fintan Clarke.
