Higher Level Apprenticeship in Accounting Technicians Level 5

Learners successfully completing the ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians are entitled to full membership of ATI and to use the designation MIATI after their name. Many choose to continue their studies in accountancy and/or business related areas. The following accountancy bodies offer substantial exemptions:

• Chartered Accountants Ireland - our partner body 
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) 
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE English Language (minimum GCSE grade C) and Mathematics (minimum GCSE grade B)

AND

• Minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points achieved through the completion of A Levels in any subject or equivalent qualification
• Level 4 HLA Accounting Technicians

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk.

 Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

• be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
• work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
• be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

Special Features

Employability

You will gain lots of valuable knowledge, practical skills and work experience as well as an internationally recognised qualification – just the combination that can help increase your future employability, boost your CV, help you progress into management roles and open new career opportunities for you. 

This programme will provide you with an immediate 2-year employment contract working with a leading NI accountancy practitioner as well as attending college on a weekly basis.

A Recognised Qualification

You will gain an internationally recognised qualification - Diploma of Accounting Technicians from Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) which is a Level 5 qualification and is equivalent to a Foundation Degree programme.

A Stepping Stone to Chartered Accountancy

Upon successful completion of your Higher Apprenticeship, you could continue your studies towards Chartered Status at Level 7 with Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI).

Earn While You Learn

You will gain valuable accountancy work experience from your employer as well as gaining a recognised professional qualification and earning a regular salary (at least the national minimum wage).  

This Higher Level Apprenticeship programme will allow you to start your highly-skilled career without the student debt that your university peers will have accumulated during their degree course – providing a real alternative to university.

Getting a Higher Apprenticeship with an employer is the same as getting a job.  Following submission of your application, you will be invited to go through the employer’s recruitment process. It will be competitive and there are likely to be a number of people applying for each Higher Apprenticeship vacancy, so you will need to sell yourself and convince the employer that you are the right person for the role. 

Apprentices may be recent school leavers who have undertaken A Levels or other suitable Level 3 qualifications or be currently employed in an organisation with a suitable accounts department who will be changing roles to take on the HLA in Accountancy or anyone who has a keen interest in developing a career in Accountancy.

As an apprentice

You will commit your time and effort to gaining the required skills and putting these into practice in the workplace. You will also be required to complete formal study one day per week at South Eastern Regional College for the ATI Diploma as well as informal work-based training (e.g. attending meetings). You will also be expected to play an active role in the mentoring programme determined by your employer. Your employer will commit to employing you for 2 years, pay you at least the national minimum wage, carry out regular reviews of your progress and provide career development support.

Successful completion of the Accounting Technicians Ireland qualification can give you a distinct advantage in the market place as many employers view it as essential when they are hiring.  The course has enabled completing students to take up key roles in accounting practices and in industry. A percentage of ATI graduates decide to continue studying and will use the Accounting Technicians Ireland qualification as a stepping stone into other professional accounting and taxation bodies.  

Many graduates pursue further accounting studies with organisations such as Chartered Accountants Ireland, or the other professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA), or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).  All these bodies offer Accounting Technicians Ireland graduates significant exemptions for taking their exams.

There are no additional costs associated with this programme.