Abigail O'Regan
Abigail O’Regan (23) from Clonmel, a past pupil of Loreto Secondary School in the town, said she has become a major advocate for the two-year Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Apprenticeship.
With a strong desire for a career in the finance sector, Abigail completed a one-year Business and Office Skills Level Five course at CTI Senior College, Clonmel through Tipperary ETB in 2021, after two years working at book chain Eason’s at the Showgrounds Shopping Centre.
“Whilst on the Business course I researched future education options. Having already spent the previous year combining work with study, I realised the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship, which would allow me to earn and learn, was just what I needed,” said Abigail.
She was apprenticed to O’Gorman Brannigan Purtill and Co Accountants in Clonmel, where she now has a full-time staffed position.
“The Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship is an incredible route for a student reluctant to commit to a four-year college degree. You achieve a highly regarded qualification and the two years’ work experience is something much sought after by employers”.
“I would recommend the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship to anyone with an interest in accounting. The college lectures give you the fundamentals, while the work placement allows you understand what you are learning and put it into practice immediately”.
“The apprenticeship was very enjoyable. It could be challenging when trying to juggle work and study, but there is access to college and workplace mentors which is a huge advantage, and unusual. I found this resource invaluable, the mentors guide you and ensure you stay on track”.
“ATI strives to put its students first and I have been in an incredibly lucky position working in a great accounting practice which has given me such a broad understanding of multiple areas of accounting.”
The Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship provides an alternative for school leavers who prefer practical training to a full-time college programme - or those who started a college course and found it did not suit them. It is also an option for existing employees and mature learners who want to pursue accounting.
Robert North
Robert North (32) from Bettystown has urged others to consider the two-year Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Apprenticeship, which allows students work, earn and learn.
Robert was apprenticed to the prestigious Grant Thornton firm in Dublin where he now has a full-time staffed position, after he opted to apply for the apprenticeship after considering his career options during the Covid pandemic. He is now considering becoming a fully qualified accountant.
“I wish when I was leaving school there had been more options like the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship, instead of college or a job,” said Robert.
“Full-time further education can be very worthwhile, depending on the role you want, but it is not for everyone.
“Work-study programmes like the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship offer people a good middle ground.
“You pursue your studies in a practical work environment, giving you a real feel for the type of work you will be doing.
“Most importantly, you get the practical experience you need to thrive and can study to go on to become a fully qualified accountant.
“And the ability to earn money while you are studying and working towards your goal is critical. Supporting yourself financially as part of your studies provides great peace of mind.
“The on-the-job experience is invaluable. The classroom teaching provides a solid foundation to build on in all manner of industries.”
“I had a background in finance roles and accounting felt like a natural fit, but full-time further education did not feel financially viable.
“Being stuck at home in the middle of the pandemic gave me lots of time to think about what I wanted from work. I spoke with a friend who had just started the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship. What he told me was very positive. A work-study programme was the best option for me. I needed to be earning.
“Also, learning theory alone is not as good as getting the hands-on experience the workplace provides.
“The Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship has given me a lot, personally and professionally. I was a bit unsure of returning to the classroom after almost ten years, but small class sizes ensure better interaction with lecturers. The atmosphere generated by learning with other professionals at various life stages put me at ease.”
Joanne Harte
Ballygawley-based Joanne Harte (42) has had a varied career in recruitment and backroom politics, following a degree in Politics and Communication from the University of Liverpool. Joanne had been working on a number of funded cross-community youth programmes which were drawing to a close before Covid hit in 2020. On her return to work following furlough, she moved to the accounts department and saw she needed to upskill.
“As my youngest child was starting school, I had decided it was a good time to return to study and upskill,” said Joanne.
“The Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Higher-Level Apprenticeship looked a very good fit for what I wanted to do.
“Our company accountant recommended the programme to me. It suited me very well as I was able to work four days a week and attend college on the other day. So I could work, earn and learn.
“As a mature student with a family to work around and provide for, I found it a great way to upskill. There was fantastic support from ATI and my employers.
“And I enjoyed the work. The apprenticeship has greatly expanded both my theoretical and practical knowledge.
“The course is varied and interesting. It felt relevant and covered a wide breadth of topics including law and IT systems.
“I was able to take on more challenging tasks at work as I progressed through the course, which was very rewarding.
“The ATI Higher-Level Apprenticeship is relevant, challenging and enjoyable. It is a great option for people like me who want to retrain, or for those who want an alternative route to a professional qualification, rather than university.
“You are able to work and gain invaluable practical experience whilst studying, and being paid to do so, so there is no student debt.
“I studied in the evenings and at weekends, and was able to schedule my learning around family, and continue to bring them to matches and training.
“The Apprenticeship enhances your knowledge and employability. It is a very well-respected industry qualification and also a useful route into further study to become a fully qualified accountant.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am considering further study in the next couple of years. It. equips you with a great breadth of knowledge and the experience employers value highly.”
The ATI Higher-Level Apprenticeship provides an alternative for school leavers who prefer practical training to full-time college, or those who may have embarked on a university course and found it did not suit them. It is also an attractive option for existing employees and mature learners who want to pursue accounting.
Justyna Bodnar
Justyna Bodnar (41), is fluent in three languages and has worked in Cyprus, Denmark and the UK. She holds qualifications in education and hospitality and speaks Polish, English and Russian.
For the last two years she has worked remotely with Irish-based accounting firm Asperio, which encouraged her to study online for the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma, which yielded Justyna top marks. The highly regarded professional Diploma can be obtained in as little as two years. Study can be full-time, part-time, and online. Justyna is now planning to use exam exemptions gained from her ATI Diploma to progress to fully qualified accountancy.
“After the birth of my third child, I explored remote working options because I needed to be at home more,” said Justyna. There were lot of remote working options in accounting available in Ireland.
“Asperio recommended the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma to me as a good first step in gaining new skills and a highly valued qualification.
“The framework of the course suited because I was able to watch lectures and study after work and combine learning with employment and being a mother.
“My first thoughts were if I could manage my time and concerns that English is not my first language. But the lecturers were easy to understand and of great help to me. After a year I was very comfortable with the programme and anxious to do well.
“Now I have a very well respected accounting qualification which allows me work remotely not only with clients in Ireland, but also the UK and US. The ATI Diploma opens a lot of doors.
“It is a wonderful foundation, suitable for everyone, even beginners like me. I plan to use exam exemptions from it to study to become a fully qualified accountant.
“Accounting is a great field for those who like to keep improving themselves and their careers and the Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma is the best possible start.”