AAT and Young Enterprise join forces for National Careers Week
AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians), the UK’s leading qualification and professional membership body, and Young Enterprise, a finance and enterprise education charity, partner up to raise awareness of finance career options, future skills required, and practical steps for interested school leavers.
Ever thought of starting a career in finance? It can open more doors than you may think…
Did you know an AAT accounting qualification can increase your earning potential by as much as 43%?*
AAT have been helping people start and build careers in finance for over 40 years and our qualifications are highly valued by employers, opening doors to exciting careers: every company needs people who are good with numbers.
Studying for an AAT qualification can also help you progress more quickly in your career while avoiding university debt, as well as open the door to starting your own business, gaining a professional designation and joining a global community.
*Based on the average basic salary of a Level 2 student compared with an AAT full member. Source: AAT Salary Survey 2023
Hear from Kevin Bragg, AAT President on how AAT can help get you started whatever your goals.
Where can a finance career take you?
Every successful business, from start-ups to global brands, need great finance and accounting professionals, so you’re not restricted to accountancy firms or the Big Four companies.
You could end up working in any industry that takes your interest, from fashion and sports to banking and politics or you could start your own practice.
Explore first-hand how our qualifications have transformed lives. Dive into real-life success stories in our online careers guide and blog- the secret perks of working in finance.
Want to earn while you learn?
An apprenticeship might be right for you.
- Apprenticeships alongside an AAT qualification enable you to become a qualified finance professional faster than the university route – and without the debt.
- An apprenticeship combines on-the-job, practical work experience with study, putting you one step ahead of those who have only studied in the classroom.
- You won’t have to pay any fees to do an apprenticeship, no matter what age you are*. All training costs are paid by your employer and the government.
- As a school-leaver, it could be a great opportunity for you to build an exciting career in finance.
*There’s no upper age limit: you must simply be over 16, not in full-time education and have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least three years.
See our apprentices' stories...
If an apprenticeship is not right for you why not consider AAT’s other accounting qualifications starting from Level 2 to Level 4.
Want to be an entrepreneur?
You can start your own business in finance.
If the freedom and variety of starting your own business appeals to you, once you gain a professional designation with AAT you can apply for a licence to offer services to the public and build and grow your own practice.
Whether you’re looking to start a side-hustle, or grow a big enterprise, AAT supports new business owners every step of the way.
Our research also shows that you can increase your earning potential – the average annual income for full-time AAT Licensed Accountants who are purely self-employed was £74,500.*
*Source: AAT Salary Survey 2023.
Hear from AAT entrepreneurs who share their own personal journeys
Want to practice financial skills in school?
Are you at school or college, and interested in finding out what makes a business tick and practising your financial skills? Young Enterprise offers a range of programmes for young people, including one of our most widely known, Company Programme, which is aimed at those aged 13-19.
The programme empowers young people to set up and run a student company under the guidance of a volunteer. Students make all the decisions about their business, from deciding on the company name, managing the company finances, and selling to the public. Participants gain practical business experience and key skills.
Young people get real and relevant opportunities to apply their financial skills and make real world decisions about their business. It’s a great CV-builder as well as a good way to take a step towards other opportunities such as those offered by AAT. Ask your teacher about Company Programme and find out more here…
Recent participants of Company Programmes stated:
