Wicklow students invited to accountancy programme that will create 150 jobs nationally

Wicklow students have been urged to consider a new accountancy apprenticeship programme which will create 150 jobs in the private and public sectors nationally this year.

pplications are now open for the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Apprenticeship, in partnership with further education colleges in Wicklow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Meath, Monaghan and Waterford.

The apprenticeship is a funded, two-year, work-based learning education and training programme where apprentices work, learn and earn at least €22,035 a-year while attending lectures at a local college one day a week.

It provides an alternative for school leavers who prefer practical training to a full-time college programme and those who started a college course and found it did not suit them. It is also an option for existing employees and mature learners who want to pursue accounting.

The apprenticeship enables employers to recruit and upskill staff in a cost-effective manner, as training fees are covered by state agency, SOLAS.

Employers can also avail of a grant of €2,000 per-year for each apprentice they employ, with large firms and smaller practices, as well as industry and the public sector, all standing to benefit from the programme.

Gabriela Airini, Head of Education at ATI, said the Apprenticeship enables employers to recruit and upskill staff in a cost-effective manner.

“The Accounting Technician apprenticeship continues to contribute towards job creation and business growth in Ireland with over 650 jobs created since the programme’s foundation in 2017,” Airini said.

“Graduates gain a professional QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting and have acquired practical professional skills needed to fill a range of accounting and finance roles across all sectors.

“ATI is continuing to work with over 350 apprenticeship employers which have hired Accounting Technician apprentices across 22 sectors.”

Leaving Certificate students, school leavers, career changers, and mature learners can apply at accountingtechniciansireland.ie.