Want to earn while you learn?
"An apprenticeship is the best of both worlds."
Accounting apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work in a finance role while studying for your AAT qualification. You’ll learn from experienced colleagues, gain practical skills, achieve a qualification that employers want, and earn a salary at the same time.
Apprenticeships are for everyone
Apprenticeships alongside an AAT qualification are open to practically everyone. There’s no upper age limit: you must simply be over 16, not in full-time education and have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least three years.
So, whether you’re a school-leaver or you’ve already started working, it could be a great opportunity for you to build an exciting career in finance.
There are opportunities in virtually every industry, from accountancy practices such as KPMG, to companies such as Network Rail and Microsoft and even the NHS – so there’s no limit to your potential.
Eight reasons to do an apprenticeship
Qualify sooner: an apprenticeship alongside an AAT qualification enables you to become a qualified finance professional faster than the university route – and without the debt.
Earn while you learn: start earning from day one and get the same benefits as an employee such as holiday leave.
Get real-world experience: by gaining several years of experience during your apprenticeship, you’re a step ahead of those who have only studied in the classroom.
Achieve an internationally recognised accounting qualification: employers trust AAT qualifications as they demonstrate you have the practical skills they need.
A fast track to chartered accountancy: completing the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting gives you generous exemptions.
Develop on-the-job skills: you'll qualify with a well-rounded set of skills and experience that will make you a highly sought-after employee.
Increase your earning potential: government research shows those completing an apprenticeship at Level 4 or above could earn £150,000 more on average over their lifetime than their peers without an apprenticeship. (Source)
Boost your career prospects: 83% of apprentices feel it has positively improved their career prospects. (Source)
Narpreet's story
"I can’t believe what I’ve done in this time."
Narpreet was Microsoft’s first accounting apprentice studying AAT. Find out how her career has rocketed since she joined aged 16.
Earnings and costs
You won’t have to pay any fees to do an apprenticeship, no matter what age you are. All training costs are paid by your employer and the government.
If you're aged 16 to 18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the national minimum wage for an apprentice. If you're 19 or over and you've completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be entitled to the national minimum wage.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be highly employable, so there’s no limit to your salary potential. If you want to continue your career in accounting, you could expect to earn around £24,500 on completing your AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting qualification, £52,000 by becoming a self-employed AAT Licensed Accountant (source), and £52,500 if you progress to become a chartered accountant. (Source)
How to apply
We'll take you through the steps from applying to accepting an offer.
Discover how the Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting could be your perfect starting point to develop your skills and expertise for your current and future roles.
Learn the apprenticeship levels in Wales and search for vacancies.
We're here
to help
If you're a student or an employee who'd like to become an
apprentice, download our apprenticeship guide, or speak to one of our helpful advisors on +44(0)20 3735 2434. You can also request a call back.
Our lines are open Monday to Friday 09.00–17.00 UK time.
