Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6
Duration: 1 year
Why Study a Foundation Apprenticeship?
Who Can Apply?
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Accountancy is for pupils staying on at school. You can choose an FA as one of your subjects in S5 or S6.
Entry Requirements
- Nat 5 Maths or Nat 5 Applications of Maths
- Good level of written/spoken English
- Committed and flexible
- Able to work with others
- Ability to problem solve
Qualifications Gained
- National Progression Award (NPA) in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6
- 1 unit of the ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting at SCQF Level 6 – Financial Accounting (FA2)
- Work-based Challenge unit.
SVQ work based units: completion of 1 unit – Financial Accounting (FA2) will enable the learner to be awarded the ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting.
Participant's viewpoint
I chose to study a Foundation Apprenticeship in accounting as I am interested in accounts, and this was a new opportunity. I feel that getting relevant work experience at a younger age prepares you for the working environment, whilst working independently especially in the classroom helps my understanding of the work involved.
During this course you will learn…
You will achieve a Foundation Apprenticeship (Group Award) in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6 (the same level as Highers), which includes:
National Progression Award (NPA) in Accountancy
- Preparing Management Accounting Information
- Analysing Account information
- Preparing Financial Accounting Information
- Recording data in the ledger
- Professional values for accountancy.
Work Placement
A key aspect of this course is participation in a short Work Placement. These placements can either be self-found or support can be given by Aberdeenshire Council’s Work Placement Unit.
Placements in this framework have included:
Acumen Financial Planning
Subsea 7
Morrison Construction
SSE
Robertson Group
Aberdeenshire Council
Placements are sourced as close to school or home as possible to minimise disruption, global footprint and costs. Public transport or walking is preferred. If other transport is required, support will be provided by Aberdeenshire Council if necessary.
You could be working in jobs such as:
- Management Accountant
- Forensic Accountant
- Insurance Broker
- Insurance Risk Surveyor
- Economist
- Investment Analyst
- Investment Banker
Accountancy is much more than numbers and figures. It’s an area with exciting prospects and a huge variety of possible roles. Many roles come with an excellent salary of around £22,000 at entry level to around £65,000 later in your career. There are also good benefits packages and in-job training courses to progress your career.
In Scotland, around 86,000 people are employed in the financial services industry.
Aberdeenshire Council Delivery
This course may be delivered by Aberdeenshire Council Specialist FA Trainers or in conjunction with a local external provider.
Meta-skills
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop core skills valued by employers, particularly:
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Working with others
- Time management
These transferable skills are necessary and highly desirable for working in a range of other related jobs.
To achieve your qualification you will:
Attend class each week
Be committed to learning new things and completing your work within a given timescale
Learn more about meta-skills here
What can I go on to next?
There are several progression routes after completing an FA in Accountancy:
- Employment within an accountancy firm or in a related business.
- You could complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Accountancy at SCQF Levels 5 and 6.
- You could go on to a Technical Apprenticeship in Accountancy at SCQF Level 8.
- You could go on to a Graduate Apprenticeship.
- College or University: You could continue your studies, gaining a Higher National Diploma or degree in accountancy.
How To Apply
Your school will have Foundation Apprenticeships on your course choice form. If it is on the list, tick the right box, after discussing with your Guidance Teacher if necessary.
If you do not see it there, see either your Guidance Teacher or Depute Head to discuss.
