HIGH demand for chartered accountants is providing Northern Ireland school leavers with "superb" work-study opportunities, according to Chartered Accountants Ulster Society.
The professional body, which represents almost 4,000 chartered accountants in Northern Ireland, highlighted the Higher-Level Apprenticeship Programme as an alternative to university for students considering post-results options.
Available at six further education colleges across the north, the programme is work-based and enables students to learn while they earn as an employee with a local accountancy practice.
More than 100 young accounting apprentices are currently studying on the school-leaver programme in Northern Ireland, having taken the alternative entrance route to a career in accountancy and finance.
Dawn Johnston, chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, said a current high demand for chartered accountants across all sectors, represented "fantastic opportunities" for young people who want to go straight into employment with a local firm.
"Our school leaver route allows students to embark on the chartered accountancy qualification straight from school," she said.
"It is a cost-effective way to complete a qualification. with multiple locations and a variety of distance-learning options available.
"There is also the chance to earn while you learn with a reputable local accountancy firm. The school leaver route offers an alternative, part-time alternative to university for students who are ready for the world of work."
Dr Louise Maguire of Chartered Accountants Ireland also endorsed the scheme, saying member firms were all registered training organisations and well placed to provide a "collaborative and supportive learning environment".
"They provide excellent career development opportunities and through Chartered Accountants Ireland, students will have the opportunity to attain an internationally recognised qualification which offers the ability to work all over the world, including destinations such as Australia, USA, Canada and the Caribbean," she said.
"Chartered Accountants Ireland also offers the opportunity for anyone to study to become a Chartered Accountant outside of the apprenticeship programme.
"Students of any age who have completed A-Levels or the Leaving Certificate can study with our sister body, Accounting Technicians Ireland and then progress to study Chartered Accountancy after two years, or after their first year with a merit pass.
"Studying to become a Chartered Accountant is very flexible with part-time courses, distance offerings and competitive fees.”
Apprentices, on the other hand, will typically be recent school-leavers who have undertaken A-levels or other suitable Level 3 qualifications.
The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Accounting (more details at www.charteredaccountants.ie/schoolleavers) is currently available at Southern Regional College, Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, South Eastern Regional College and South West College.
