Accountingfor change
From tourism to fast food to financial reports, county Cork-based Jakub Ekert has had varied career interests.
Jakub (44) is now approaching the end of year one of a two-year national accounting technician apprenticeship programme which will create 150 positions this year.
He is the sixth apprentice to be taken on by ODM Accountants Ltd, Bandon, as part of the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) apprenticeship.
After gaining a tourism qualification in his native Poland, Jakub moved to Cork in 2005 and worked his way up from floor assistant to manager at a fast-food outlet. But he wanted to secure his future with qualifications and having commenced an accounts administration course at Cork College of Further Education and Training, was attracted to the combined work, earn and learn elements of the ATI apprenticeship.
Jakub said: “The ATI apprenticeship is an excellent path if you want to earn and learn and I think there should be more programmes like this which combine theory with practice. “I found the idea of studying accounting while working in an accountancy practice and learning from professionals very appealing.
“You do need to stay on top of your studies after work, but it is worth it. When I finish my apprenticeship and become a qualified accounting technician, I can go on to study for a business degree or to pursue professional accountancy qualifications with exam exemptions.”
The ATI apprenticeship offers an alternative for school leavers who prefer practical training to a full-time college programme, as well as to those who may have started a college course and found it did not suit them.
The programme is also an option for existing employees and mature learners who want to pursue accounting and provides exam exemptions for those wishing to go on to study to become a fully qualified accountant.
A funded two-year work-based learning education and training programme, the apprenticeship allows participants to earn at least €22,000 a year while attending lectures one day a week at a local college.
Applications are now open for the programme which is offered in partnership with further education colleges in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Meath, Monaghan, Waterford and Wicklow.
John O’Sullivan, a partner at ODM Accountants and Jakub’s workplace mentor, said the programme is a “win-win” for the employer and the apprentice.
“The ATI Apprenticeship has been such a huge success for us that Jakub is the sixth apprentice we have employed through the programme since 2019,” said John.
“I saw an advert for the scheme in a Sunday newspaper and decided to investigate it further. We have been very happy with all our apprentices. Those who finish the programme achieve exemptions for the professional accountancy exams. If it had been around 15 years ago, I would have gone down this route myself,” he added.
The apprenticeship enables employers 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.
Gabriela Airini, Head of Education at ATI, said the apprenticeship enables employers to recruit and upskill staff in a cost-effective manner.
“The ATI Apprenticeship continues to contribute towards job creation and business growth in Ireland with over 650 jobs created since the programme’s foundation in 2017,” said Gabriela.
“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,” she added.
To apply for an ATI Apprenticeship, visit accountingtechniciansireland.ie.