When considering an apprenticeship in accountancy, it was the chance for hands-on experience which was the deciding factor for Diarmuid O’Connor, a science graduate from Kilconly.
Diarmuid successfully took up the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship, joining 13 others apprenticed with Grant Thornton.
“University had shown me how an overload of theory can demotivate, so I decided that doing accounting exams alone might not be for me,” explains Diarmuid.
“Learning while gaining industry experience is my perfect combination. Students can get a real culture shock moving from second-level to third-level, often with limited experience of the real world.
“Apprenticeship is an excellent alternative to more traditional academic routes and I got exposure to different areas of accounting at Grant Thornton.”
Indeed, Grant Thornton Managing Partner Michael McAteer’s own accountancy career began with evening classes organised by Accounting Technicians Ireland.
He said the programme is a win-win for the employer and the Accounting Technician Apprentice, allowing businesses to broaden their client offering and provide excellent career prospects for students.
Local employers are currently hiring for the next programme intake starting January 2022, including: C Page & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants; D V Mannion and Co. Ltd Chartered Accountants; and Galway Accountancy.
Apprentices earn a starting salary of at least €21,060 and pay no fees as course tuition is fully funded. Gaining a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting, the two-year Accounting Technician Apprenticeship sees students working four days a week with their employer and attending class one day a week.
Apply now through the Accounting Technicians Ireland website.
