Apprenticeships are a highly cost-effective and rewarding way for organisations and individuals to access professional training. CIPFA is an approved and established apprenticeship training provider and delivers apprenticeships in accountancy and counter fraud to over 200 employers.
Why CIPFA apprenticeships?
The public sector is facing enormous challenges, from the fallout of COVID-19 to technological advances and innovations that are transforming work processes and practice. Organisations can begin to address these obstacles by building up their existing capabilities – with levy-funded apprenticeships the most cost-effective solution.
CIPFA is the only accountancy body in the world exclusively focused on the public sector and our internationally-recognised qualifications and training are standard-setting and industry-defining. Our apprenticeship programmes, which were recently awarded a "Good" provider grading by Ofsted, encompass accountancy and counter fraud investigation, offering full support to both apprentices and employers.
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What apprenticeships do we offer?
- Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship: Includes study for the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification – applications for the spring 2025 intake are now open.
- Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship: Includes study for the CIPFA Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist qualification – applications for the spring 2025 intake are now open.
What are the benefits?
For individuals, apprenticeships are a great opportunity to gain invaluable on-the-job work experience and confidence in a working environment, all whilst earning a salary and undertaking a professional qualification.
For employers, offering apprenticeships helps to develop a highly motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. You will need to:
- ensure your apprentices are given sufficient time to learn during working hours to achieve their qualification
- take an active part in supporting the development of your apprentices' work-based skills and behaviours
- engage in regular, CIPFA-hosted review meetings with your apprentice(s) to ensure they are fully prepared to successfully complete their programme
"Work-based learning coaches provide good support to apprentices to help pace them through their studies. Coaches liaise effectively with employers to make sure that over the course of the programme, apprentices gain broad and relevant experience, linked to what they learn."
Ofsted report, 2021
The apprenticeship levy
Employers in England can use their apprenticeship levy accounts to fund the training costs of new and existing employees. CIPFA is uniquely placed to support employers and students to maximise the opportunities of the levy – both in our capacity as a professional qualifying body, and as a registered training provider, through CIPFA's Education and Training Centre (CETC).
Employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
CIPFA's apprenticeship programmes are levy-funded only in England. For students and employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, or those employers who choose not to use their levy fund, all of our apprenticeships can be undertaken as an employer-funded or self-funded qualifications. Contact us to learn more: students@cipfa.org
External links
Visit GOV.UK to find information for employers on the benefits of apprenticeships to their business.