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The AAT has launched a careers hub to make apprenticeship opportunities and finance careers more accessible, after research commissioned by the association found that six in 10 UK jobseekers have considered starting an apprenticeship to upskill or reskill.
As the UK’s first “dedicated finance apprenticeship and jobs board”, it aims to connect would-be apprentices with employers who have AAT apprenticeship schemes.
Some 52% of respondents have considered the apprenticeship route as a way into the finance industry, which had almost one million occupations in elevated or critical demand in 2024. This figure rose to 54% for jobseekers aged 16 to 24.
That said, respondents to the survey cited the need for clear career pathways, flexible scheduling, and employer support to encourage them to take the plunge.
Two in three of all respondents and exactly half of all female respondents surveyed by AAT said that they would be more likely to pursue an apprenticeship if “flexible hours or scheduling” was offered, for example in when and how exams could be taken.
Other motivating factors included high-quality training (42%), clear career pathways (36%) and employer support (33%).
Sarah Beale, CEO of AAT, said: “People with an appetite to learn new skills are key to addressing vacancies in the UK’s most in demand occupations, such as finance as well as addressing the gender imbalance particularly in more senior roles. We can see that millions of people are interested in apprenticeships to switch careers, so what’s stopping them?
“Training that fits around people’s busy lives is essential to unlocking their potential, whether that’s the ability to fit learning around existing work or caring responsibilities, or having flexibility from an employer during peak study times.”
She added: “Employers want to support apprenticeships, but burdensome administration, constant shifts in policy and a changing qualifications landscape act as barriers. The upcoming education and skills review must provide clarity and stability in the system.”
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, the AAT is making its careers hub free for any employer to list their finance apprenticeships on the new platform.
The AAT is also providing free resources via the platform to make finance career pathways clearer, offering early career tips and guidance on interviewing and how to apply for a first apprenticeship.
