FAB Awards showcase inspiring impact of UK’s qualifications sector

Students and training providers connected to The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) were shortlisted in a number of Federation of Awarding Bodies’ (FAB) annual FAB Awards categories, held on 25th November in Leicester. Despite missing out, AAT said there was much to celebrate.  

Among the finalists were AAT students Katie Robinson, from Northampton who studies with Training Link based in Staffordshire, and Stephanie Goodsell, from the Wirral who studies with Peak Accountancy Training. The two were shortlisted by FAB judges for Learner of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year, respectively. 

AAT and education resources provider, Mindful Education, were also shortlisted for FAB’s Awarding Organisation / Provider Relationship of the Year award. The pair of organisations saw their bid for the top prize pipped at the post by OAL and Bournemouth and Poole College. 

While the student prizes ultimately went to Natasha Bloor (VTCT) for Apprentice of the Year and to Erin Anderson (Gateway Qualifications) for Learner of the Year, the AAT community nonetheless celebrates the determination, innovation and good spirit which has carried Katie, Stephanie and Mindful Education to new heights of recognition. 

Inspirational paths to awards shortlist 

"We're incredibly proud of Katie and Stephanie, as well as of our partnership with Mindful Education," said Claire Bennison, AAT's Executive Director of Customer, Partnerships and Innovation. 

"Both Katie and Stephanie have shown remarkable resilience and determination. Their stories demonstrate how high-quality qualifications can transform lives and unlock careers that many wouldn’t dreamt were open to us.” 

Bennison was in Leicester for the awards evening, cheering Mindful Education and the pair of students on as the results were announced. The Executive Director reflected “Both Katie and Stephanie have triumphed in the face of significant challenges. It is testament to their incredible dedication that they have not only persevered, but excelled. Their success is clear as Katie completed her AAT Level 3 with Distinction at 90% and Stephanie similarly achieved incredible grades, including 93% in a core module.” 

“These two young women are exemplary role models and it’s simply brilliant to see such commitment to making an impact beyond themselves,” said Bennison. She said Stephanie showcased leadership in her workplace and that Katie, in sharing her powerful story online, has inspired others. 

Katie was completing AAT qualifications to support her clerical administrator role when sudden ill health in the family left Katie picking up the pieces. Following her father’s stroke, Katie was appointed by the Court of Protection to act as their ‘deputy’. This is a legal role that the court empowers to make important decisions regarding a person’s welfare, medical treatment and property – including finances.  

It was Katie’s experience of managing her dad’s accounts that inspired her to pursue accountancy as a career. The opportunity to study AAT qualifications as a distance learner meant Katie could progress with studies while carrying out caring duties. Katie has achieved success in her studies since making the shift to accountancy. She is driven by a strong sense of purpose and has set out to help her clients and community.  

Katie Robinson collecting her award at AAT's Training Provider Awards in April 2024

Fellow finalist Stephanie also had to overcome significant personal challenges to succeed with her studies. Stephanie, who identifies herself on the Autism spectrum and is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, said she found navigating workplace dynamics difficult when she began her apprenticeship journey. This included dealing with ad hoc tasks that have a tendency to disrupt the routines which Stephanie said she was most comfortable with. 

The apprentice adapted in ways that demonstrated an underlying strength of leadership. Stephanie now confidently works across two accounting practices and has continued her record of academic achievement in her AAT studies. 

Their recognition as part of the FAB Awards shortlist caps off a remarkable year for both young women, following Katie's win as PQ Magazine's Distance Learner of the Year in April and both securing national wins at AAT's Training Provider Awards in March. 

 Ian Burt, AAT, with Stephanie Goodsell and Suzanne Hardy, Peak Accountancy Training.

Innovative approach to blended learning  

AAT and Mindful Education’s (ME) shortlisting for Awarding Organisation / Provider Relationship of the Year highlighted Mindful Education’s blended learning Online and On Campus approach, which removes barriers to training. ME delivers courses - including AAT’s suite of finance and accounting qualifications - alongside colleges and other providers.  

The blended approach has widened access for those wishing to enrol on courses who may have otherwise been daunted by transport issues and costs. ME also make the most of the latest technology to bolster training, including adopting an interactive transcription tool to support students for whom English is a second language. All students have access to a wealth of high-quality resources and support online as part of the blended approach.  

The benefits of the approach also extend to the tutors; they gain a greater work/life balance from these efficiencies as less time is lost to course content delivery. This increases the profession’s attractiveness at a time when teacher shortages are common. 

Mindful Education Managing Director Mark McKenna said: "Our collaboration with AAT demonstrates how technology can solve immediate challenges while driving long-term innovation in education delivery. Being recognised as finalists by the Federation of Awarding Bodies was testament to the strength of our partnership and commitment to providing first-class education." 

Janne Karkkainen, AAT with Cath Littler, Mindful Education; Rachel Staples, AAT; and Mark McKenna, Mindful Education

Qualifications centre stage for Labour’s growth and skills agenda   

The FAB Conference, which ran alongside the awards event, coincided with a crucial moment for the awarding organisation sector as the government published its Get Britain Working white paper. The paper outlines significant reforms to skills formation and how employment support is structured. 

While details are yet to be confirmed regarding the funding of some qualifications, the focus on skills nonetheless puts the awarding body sector in prime position to help drive the new government’s pro-skills pro-growth agenda. 

AAT’s Claire Bennison said a major theme through the FAB Conference was the urgent need to for collaboration between government, awarding organisations, employers and training providers. 

“As an industry, we have consistently championed collaboration. It’s how we make accessible our life-changing qualifications.” 

“What was abundantly clear last Monday was the sheer quality of the UK qualifications sector – producing a field of strong contenders for the FAB Awards. AAT stands ready to help inform and drive forward the new government’s skills agenda – central as it is to growth and our shared prosperity. This focus is long-overdue,” she said.