ACCOUNTANCY BODY ACCA has joined forces with KPMG, PwC, EY, Deloitte and a range of large and small employers to develop a new apprenticeship standard for the audit, accountancy and tax professions.
The professional Accountancy/Tax Technician Standard allows school leavers to qualify with a higher apprenticeship under the government’s ‘Trailblazer’ initiative.
The employers involved in developing the standard involve KPMG, PwC, EY and Deloitte. Together, these organisations already offer a variety of entry routes to professional roles for school leavers and apprentices.
It is hoped that this new standard will attract even more young people into professional services; offering employers greater opportunities to tailor their apprenticeships to meet their talent and productivity needs.
Nadhim Zahawi MP, the prime minister’s advisor on apprenticeships said: “It is really welcome news that the new standard is being bought forward – as it will not only mean great opportunities for young people to develop a career in this sector, but that the training and skills they will receive has been designed by employers who know exactly what the next generation needs to thrive and go far.”
Dorothy Wood, ACCA’s head of education also welcomed the apprenticeship standard, with ACCA’s research finding that 71% of young people already value apprenticeships as a route into a successful career.
“It is vitally important for the future of UK plc that the next generation of finance professionals enjoy unfettered access to the profession irrespective of their background. The new professional accountancy standard will help them do exactly that.”