The finance and accountancy sector should be accessible to individuals from all walks of life, according to Susan Love, who serves as the strategic engagement lead for ACCA Scotland.
ACCA’s primary mission is to train the next generation of finance professionals, and the organisation is committed to ensuring that the training provided aligns with the evolving needs of business and society. This includes producing finance professionals who possess the highest technical and ethical standards, equipping them to succeed in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Despite the common association of accountancy with traditional training routes, there are now multiple avenues into finance careers in Scotland. The Scottish Apprenticeship Week serves as a moment to recognise how the training landscape has transformed to better cater to the needs of learners and employers within finance teams.
In response to the post-pandemic skills shortage, many employers are introducing more entry points for new talent, with a particular focus on recruiting school leavers. The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Accountancy was specifically designed to integrate workplace exposure into the school curriculum. This initiative offers a Higher-equivalent qualification, completed during senior school, which combines school/college learning with work-based projects. This provides invaluable hands-on workplace experience for young individuals, setting a strong foundation for their future careers.
A noteworthy example of this transformative approach is the collaborative effort in the North East involving ACCA, Aberdeenshire Council, and professional services firm Johnston Carmichael. Together, they have worked to train over 30 young people from four schools in the region. This not only gives young individuals a head start in their careers but also establishes a solid groundwork for continued work-based training via Modern or Graduate Apprenticeships.
Another innovative initiative is the Graduate Apprenticeship (GA), which encompasses a higher level of technical learning, the portability of a degree, and on-the-job training. In the field of accountancy, the GA, delivered in partnership with employers, universities, and professional bodies like ACCA, allows learners to attain their degree and professional qualification in just five years, all while earning a wage. This is a significant reduction compared to the average seven years required to complete a degree and ACCA qualification through more traditional routes. The increase in demand and positive feedback for this training pathway suggests promising growth for the future.
While Scotland has made strides in improving training to meet the needs of employers and learners, these changes also prompt us to reconsider how we perceive, advocate for, and finance learning. If we are to build upon the innovation brought about by apprenticeships and effectively train our future workforce, it is essential for all stakeholders – including parents, schools, and employers – to adopt a more open-minded approach and champion alternative methods of career development and recruitment.
For those seeking more information about apprenticeships in Scotland, ACCA serves as a valuable resource as the global professional accountancy body.
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