“Before I started the ATI Apprenticeship programme, I was pursuing various passion projects, but employment became an issue because of the pandemic. At that time, I learned a great deal about what did and did not appeal to me in terms of a career change. I realised accounting and finance was for me. The ATI Apprenticeship was the perfect way to get my foot in the door with a professional qualification.”
Andrew Barrett (36), from Naas, Co. Kildare proved a top performer in the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Apprenticeship, which allows students work, earn and learn. Graduates qualify as accounting technicians.
Andrew was apprenticed to Grant Thornton in Dublin where he now has a full-time staffed position, after he opted to apply for the apprenticeship when his work teaching English as a foreign language teacher dried-up during Covid.
“The application process was very smooth from start to finish. It was easy to get the information I needed to make a proper assessment on whether this really was the right route for me. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They provide excellent tuition and guidance for assessments and exam preparation and ATI staff are always available to assist with other queries.
The apprenticeship is an invaluable opportunity to learn on the job, and I have a very supportive and proactive employer, who has helped me along the way with everything I needed. Having one day a week dedicated to lectures is beneficial, but putting time aside each evening and at the weekends is important to stay on top of things.
It has given me the chance to work for a top employer, and be part of a great team, and was a better alternative than returning to full-time education.”
For more details, see accountingtechniciansireland.ie or email [email protected].
