Business and Employers
Boost your finance talent through Apprenticeship
Find new talent or upskill your team
Benefit from fully funded tuition for your team or grow your talent pool by taking on new apprentices. The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is a practical work-based learning programme which takes place over two years.
Apprentices work with you, their employer, four days a week and study one day a week with one of our partner colleges during the academic term. The national programme leads to a Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Accounting.
We’re inviting employers to come on board now for our January and September 2025 intake. Apprentice applications will be available for review from end of October.
Hire Early - Interested employers can recruit top calibre before they are selected elsewhere and hire an apprentice to start working immediately in their business. They can commence the academic side in September.
The Northern Ireland programme, the Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Accountancy, results in the ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (Qualification number 600/0170/0).
Take on a new apprentice
- We do the heavy lifting by pre-interviewing and vetting applications
- You receive a list of top candidates to choose from, ensuring the best fit for your company with no recruitment costs
- Apprentices are a great way of addressing any skills-shortage as college learning is directly applied to specific job requirements
- The apprentice is offered a two-year contract which pays at least the minimum wage
- Bring value and diversity to your organisation as the Apprentice progresses to become a fully qualified Accounting Technician
- Once qualified, the apprentice has multiple pathways to a full qualification in accountancy with exemptions from all professional accountancy bodies
- At the end of the two-years, you gain a life-long advocate for your organisation
Upskill a current employee
- Pay no training fees as you nurture talented members of your team and boost employee retention
- The employee graduates with a versatile Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Accounting and can progress to further study to become a fully qualified accountant if desired
- Upskilling ensures your company has a high-performing talent pool for accountancy and finance roles
- New skills and competencies gained during study can be instantly applied to their current role so your company benefits from the get-go
"The apprenticeship is a logical fit for Mazars, as accounting technicians are an essential part of our Outsourcing team."
Jennifer Kelly
Outsourcing Director for Mazars Ireland, Jennifer has been an apprenticeship employer and supporter of the programme since its foundation.
"For the employer, the Apprenticeship is a cost-effective way of employing new workers."
Mark Reilly
A Partner at the Cavan and Longford-based accountancy firm KBG Accountants, Mark took on four apprentices to join his team.
"The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship allows firms to broaden client offerings and provide excellent career prospects for students."
Michael McAteer
Employing several apprentices as part of the Grant Thornton team, Managing Director Michael views the programme as an important way of broadening the firm's skill base.
See how we can help
The course allows you to work as an Accounting Technician professional in the corporate or public sector, or in private practice.
It also offers you the opportunity to pursue further professional accountancy qualifications with one of the other professional accountancy bodies.
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