The reason Id start the AAT while still looking for an apprenticeship is becasue im obsessed with getting a full degree eventually and dont really want to go down the OU route unless every option becomes terrible. The only apprenticeship for accountancy I found on the 12 websites I check every other day was in the next city and even though it was level 3.... the requirements were to already have A-levels!
I find all the discussions about 'level 3', 'level 4', 'level 7' etc very confusing. I don't think it means anything unless for some macro level monitoring of national levels of education and training. It seems to create real misunderstanding when it comes to accountancy training and probably for a whole load of other fields.
There are plenty of reasons firms would want someone with good A levels as an AAT trainee. They have proven test taking abilities amongst other things. I don't think thats unusual as a selection criteria. Sure - getting 3 high A levels in the same sitting is probably harder than passing AAT but so what? These are courses with different objectives.
Sure, I like apprenticeships becasue it allows me to study and gain work experience at the same time. Any other non uni option would require me to get a low level job, impress employers and have them fund my further studying.. right?
I don't think the actual work you would do in most apprenticeships in accounting would be any higher level than a non apprenticeship job. Its not uncommon for employers to recruit trainees and provide formal training. Whether something is named an apprenticeship or no is not necessarily of any difference to you. The terms and conditions you receive are what matters.
That being said lots of people get an entry level role, develop skills and prove themselves. Their current employer may well agree to fund training, or give an adequate pay rise which allows them to fund it themselves. Alternatively they use the skills they have acquired to find an employer who offers something better for them.
Of note because a lot of people seem surprised by this - apprenticeships don't necessarily pay less than other jobs someone might be eligible for.
"How come it's (big 4 training) so beneficial in general and even more so in the UK? Cheers."
I'm really not sure. I think part of it is selectivity at the intake stage which gives peoples CVs a boost. It also helps to have seen a number of large multinationals and develop the knowledge to progress with huge companies.
If you don't like long hours big 4 is the wrong place to be.
If I performed exceptionally at my entry level position would they fund further training?
Its very common. As above - you could also fund your own training so long as the salary is adequate.
If this is a possibility then whats the point of apprenticeships at all?
The term 'apprenticeship' is just a word. There isn't necessarily any difference from another job which isn't advertised as being an apprenticeship.
Many companies use apprenticeship funding to pay for training. Interestingly a few years ago many accounting jobs which came under apprenticeship funding were not advertised as being 'apprenticeships' as people thought it indicated a low level job. You should look at the overall package - not names.
Is there any way I can tell whether an employer that likes me would pay for my further training in the future??
Great question. You might ask whether they fund training for current staff - but there really are no guarantees other than on formal schemes.
It tends to be worth looking for jobs which give you marketable skills. That means you can look elsewhere to see if you can get a better deal - and your employer knows that so is more likely to support you.
I doubt it would ever be enough to help me become a chartered accountant though right?
If by chartered you include ACCA or CIMA - lots of people do this each year. Probably the majority who complete the qualifications.
Seems like I would be taking a lot of risks in wasting even more time, or at least being inenefficient with my time.
I'm not sure what the risk is? You get a job and try to progress. Its only a risk if you had better alternatives.