AAT level 2

[whoami24601]

Hi all!

Just looking for some advice from people who have done this course.

I've always wanted to be an accountant but a series of monumentally stupid decisions saw me drop out of school during my a levels. I never went back, though I did go to college and study nursery nursing no idea how my teenage self thought that would help!

I've been working in nurseries and schools, in a variety of roles, for about the last 10 years whilst getting married and having a family.

I had my last baby last year and find myself thinking 'is this it?' I don't want to spend my working life in the job I'm doing!

I can't stop thinking about retraining. I've found a college course and my plan is to do that for a year then look to apply for a level 3 apprenticeship.

Is that a realistic plan? Will companies take me seriously? I'm having a serious crisis of confidence!

Anyone?

I think your lack of replies is because the people who have done this course are currently at work, which would be a good sign! Bump later on?

I've just applied for an apprenticeship to do this! So no advice to offer. A friend who has an aat qualification said it was a good way to do it!

I completed this a couple of years ago as I was going into a more financed based role.
I found it very insightful and learnt alot but all companies use different lingo etc so it was a case of trying to figure out what they meant.
I did it over 12 months as an evening course as I worked full time as well and really struggled doing 13 hour days and then finding time to do 3-4 hours of study/revision in the week as well,
My tutor wasn't the best and found it difficult to explain things in a different manner but that's on her.
It covered alot of the basics and went in depth on some of the simpler stuff but if you are looking to work in finance it's a very good starting point.

Ah @fedupntired have you got a level 2 apprenticeship? They all seem to be level 3 here. There's nothing within a commutable distance right now so thought I'd do the level 2 in the meantime so that I've got a better chance if one does come up!

@Ursaminor good point about them all being at work! I hope that is the case!

@CantBelieveImHere I'm currently working part time, and from September will have two of my 3 at school full time. So I'm hoping the workload won't be too much. I also have my (willing!) parents round the corner who would happily babysit so I could get some work done if needs be

The college I went to did offer day time classes one day a week which if your part time work would be better especially with all the kids being in school.
It is something you need to be 100% committed to and have the time to commit to the exams as well.

I did level 2 distance learning, easier than trying to get to a college. However I've been keeping an eye out on job adverts for ages for finance assistant/bookkeeper and barely any ask for aat qualifications which makes me wonder if it's worth continuing with level 3 and 4.

The college course I'm looking at is basically distance learning with one afternoon a fortnight on campus. I thought that would be a good compromise. It's not much more than distance learning and they sort out the assessments for you. I'm wanting to go on to do level 3 and 4 as an apprenticeship so hopefully this will be a good start!

Set yourself a target of completing level 2 in as short a space of time as possible, then start applying for level 3 apprenticeships early next year. Level 2 is very basic, so few employers will offer it, but as you haven't got A levels, it will prove to an employer that you are motivated and have the basic skills. Do you want to work for an accountancy firm or in industry in a commercial role?

Just to boost your confidence a little, people regularly take level 2 &/or 3 independently, then get a job to support them through level 3 or 4.

@Numbersaremything I'm wanting to working in an accountancy firm eventually. I really don't know how far to aim/ what is realistic! The only accountant I know went down the traditional route of university (and lives on the other side of the world!) so she's not much help.

I did AAT Level 2 via distance learning whilst I was a SAHM. This worked really well for me as you fit it in when you can. I then got a PT job where they paid for my level 3 (I wouldn’t have got a look in without level 2). I passed with a distinction and employers are now funding my ACCA! I’m considering a move from industry to practice when I’m part qualified but still undecided.

I get confused with the levels as it was years ago but I think I skipped level 2 as had accounting a level and did level 3 by distance learning whilst working full time. That was easy but I didnt have a family at that point. Apprenticeships are hard to come by in my area, but not impossible. I managed to find an accounts administrator job that took me on with level 3. From then I kept meaning to do level 4 but I kept getting better paid more experienced positions without it so never got round to it. I dont think I'll bother now, I am mainly self employed as a bookkeeper now and I can't fit anymore clients in (without working more hours than I want to).

I forgot to say when speaking to practices when I was in college they said they would rather take on someone at a junior level with AAT than a degree so don't let degrees put you off!

Definitely worth doing, it gives you a really good grounding and teaches you how to actually do the basic accounting roles.

I did AAT level 2 & 3 in a local college whilst working in a admin job back in 2012/2013.
Once I had them I applied for a finance technician role for my current employer, got that role and basically everything I learnt was my day to day job. Spent 3 years doing that role, applied for a promotion and got it, and now after another 3 years I have an accountant role, and they are paying for me to do CIMA (Management Accounting).

I can’t believe how much my work life has changed in 6 years. Totally worth it.

I applied in accountancy practices while I was doing level 4 and found they either wanted graduates or someone who they could mould at the beginning of their training and straight out of school.

I had zilch confidence and interviewed badly for everything around this time though, so not sure how honest the feedback was! Also apprenticeships we're just for school leavers back then.

My advice would be to send a few letters/emails out to places while you're doing your level 2 and see if you can pick up some experience while your older ones are at school and your kind parents can help with the younger one.

Hi OP - I retrained by studying AAT Level 2 and 3 independently i.e. not a course, just studying the syllabus using books/ online resources and taking exams when I was ready. I got a temp mat cover job doing purchase ledger, promoted after a couple of months to a permanent accounts assistant role, and now I've relocated and got a job as the sole accounts person for a lovely small business.

No regrets here- it's not my dream job but it keeps the brain ticking over, and there are always finance jobs around. In my experience being part of a big AAT students group on FB, not many of the people retraining get to work in practice or an apprenticeship. Practices seem to only want people with practice experience, and recruitment agents I've dealt with have told me this is the case in their experience too.

There is extra funding for employers to take on younger apprentices, so though technically a person of any age can complete an apprenticeship, employers will often choose younger people in practice. I'd still apply for them, but also look for general finance jobs. When I have looked for work I've always found a decent amount of entry level jobs, and temping can be a great way to get a foot in the door.

I've applied that interesting about apprenticeships. The DCs school is just starting a PTA so I'm planning on asking if I can be/ assist the treasurer. Is there anything else I can be doing to strengthen my CV when it comes to applying?

Hiya, I've no idea what levels the apprenticeship were, but I didn't get anywhere with them!!!
I've been accepted in a level 2 part time course at my local college in September!