Accountancy
Foundation Apprenticeship
What's Accountancy like?
Accountancy is much more than numbers and figures. It's an area with exciting prospects and a huge variety of possible roles.
What's the qualification?
SCQF Level 6
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6, which is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher.
Your apprenticeship includes core units of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Certificate in Accounting or a core unit of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting.
When you complete the AAT units, you'll be awarded the AAT Level 2 / SCQF Level 6 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
Your qualification includes:
National Progression Award (NPA) in Accountancy at SCQF Level 6 and either
core units of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Certificate in Accounting – SCQF Level 6, or
a core unit of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting at SCQF Level 6
a work-based challenge unit
What will I learn?
You'll gain an overview of the whole accountancy sector and you'll also learn about:
recording financial accounting information
bookkeeping
preparing financial information
indirect tax
analysing accounting information
management accounting
professional ethics for accountants
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop meta-skills. Employers value these skills, which include:
communication
problem-solving
working with others
time management
You'll need these transferable skills for working in a range of jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Accountancy Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options, including:
Modern Apprenticeship: When you complete this apprenticeship, you’ll have done 3 units of the Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting. That's because it includes units from the Modern Apprenticeship. The units are in the 'professional qualification skills and competence' element.
further study: Get more training and other qualifications, such as an HND or HNC. They'll help you progress into accountancy roles. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
university: Scottish universities recognise Foundation Apprenticeships as equal to an SQA Higher. You’ll have accounting experience already, so it makes your UCAS application stand out. This apprenticeship also gives you 42 UCAS tariff points.
straight to a job: Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in financial services. Typical starter roles include an accountancy technician. You could progress through other roles and training to become a Chartered Accountant.
Good to know
You could progress to jobs in accountancy, finance and many other areas
Average salaries range from around £22,000 to £65,000
The qualification is equal to an SQA Higher (SCQF level 6)
Entry requirements
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
How does it work?
You'll do your Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll work on projects with an employer and a learning provider, such as a college. It'll give you an industry-recognised qualification that's great for your CV.
Read our brilliant info on the Accountancy Foundation Apprenticeship to see how it all works!
How long will it take?
You'll do your Foundation Apprenticeship over 1 or 2 years starting in S5 or S6. You'll usually do a work placement of about 1 day a week.
How to apply
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then fill out the form that comes next, to let us know you're interested. We'll get back to you with more information.