Higher Level Apprenticeship in Accountancy Success for Ronan

Ronan Murphy, (21), swapped the lectures of university for the ‘earn while you learn’ training of a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Accountancy, which he successfully completed this summer. 

Speaking about his route to success and why he made the switch to studying an HLA, Ronan, 21, from Downpatrick said, “After leaving St Patrick’s Grammar School, I went to Ulster University, but I didn’t enjoy university or the learning experience it provided for the year I was there.  I looked for alternative routes and found the HLA in Accountancy at SERC offered me a more hands-on experience and the chance to realise my ambitions. The course has been hugely beneficial to me, the teaching has been very informative, and I have enjoyed my experience at the College.”

Currently employed with MB McGrady and Company, in Downpatrick, Ronan spoke about his job, he said, “I have undertaken a bookkeeper and accounts assistant role and I am currently involved in the ‘Making Tax Digital’ team, dealing with online accounting software, preparing accounts, VAT returns and tax compliance for a variety of sole traders, partnerships and owner manged limited companies.”

Ronan continued, “I am delighted to have passed my exams and to have successfully completed my Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Accountancy. I will continue to work, build up my experience and take examinations over the next three years to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant on successful completion of ACA through Chartered Accountants Ireland.”  

Ronan concluded, “A friend who had completed the course recommended it to me, and likewise, I would recommend this route to anyone thinking about an HLA.. If you are thinking about it, I would say the hands-on approach to learning is the best way forward, so just go for it.”

There is still time to apply for a higher education course commencing September 2022. Find out more about  the Apprenticeship route and our Higher Level Apprenticeships to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.