PublicEye
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AAT welcomes government commitment to 16-19 qualifications fundings
The government’s decision to continue funding Level 3 qualifications is one which AAT applauds.
Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A-Levels and are key to the government’s growth mission for the UK. AAT awards a third of all UK vocational accounting qualifications.
The news comes after the government announced a short pause and review of the planned qualification reforms at Level 3 in July 2024.
At the time, Bridget Phillipson MP, secretary of state for education, stressed the importance that qualifications must “deliver on our two central missions for this government of enhancing and spreading opportunity for everyone and growing our economy.”
Strong record of delivery
AAT chief executive Sarah Beale said the qualifications have “proven employer need and strong learner outcomes – which is exactly what our AAT qualifications deliver”.
“Not everyone learns in the same way or has the same educational background; qualifications and training need to reflect that.”
She added that the government and other bodies involved in delivering changes to qualifications must work closely to ensure any future reforms are able to be implemented properly.
Not everyone learns in the same way or has the same educational background; qualifications and training need to reflect that.
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AAT and Filipino institute to work together to address skills shortage
Agreement will help the Philippines to hit its ambitious growth goals
AAT and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) have signed an agreement to co-operate to address address the Philippines’ skills shortage and to raise the status of accounting technicians.
It comes after AAT chief executive Sarah Beale and AAT international lead Tim Dawkins attended the 79th PICPA Annual National Convention in Davao City in the country’s south.
The Philippines is home to the world’s 28th largest economy, with an annual GDP of $1.39tn (£1.09tn). To keep growing, the country will need to address a shortage of accountants, which threatens to see its stock of 200,000 certified public accountants in a fall over the next decade.
AAT is the leading body for accounting technicians globally. While many other countries, including the UK, Australia and Malaysia recognise the accounting technician role, the Philippines has yet to officially sanction the designation.
“The challenges facing the Philippine accountancy sector mirror what many countries are encountering,” AAT CEO Sarah Beale said. “The UK's experience shows how accounting technicians can help practices and industry adapt to changing times and workload pressures, while absolutely maintaining high standards.”
