An accountancy training provider is reminding firms of the availability of £1,500 in funding to take on apprentices as it launches two schemes aimed at producing the accountants of the future.

The new level 4 apprenticeships in tax (ATT) and audit (CFAB) offered by Kaplan, will sit alongside the AAT accountancy scheme already provided by the financial sector training body and will be equal to foundation stage higher education courses.

Employers with up to 1,000 staff that are interested in taking on apprentices, aged between 16-24, could also be eligible for the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE), offered by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Gill Rogerson, head of apprenticeships at Kaplan, said: 'It is talented employees that make or break any business and every employer wants hard working and bright staff to drive the organisation forward. Higher Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity for young people who are keen to achieve a recognised, advanced qualification accredited by the accountancy and tax professional bodies, with an education route that lets them learn in a working environment, earn a wage and embark on a successful career.'

Gordon Goldie, HR partner at Tait Walker, said: 'With millions of young people still currently out of work, we believe that apprenticeships offer a real opportunity for the region's unemployed and employers alike.

'Bringing in fresh young talent is a great investment and adds a new dynamic to our existing team at Tait Walker. The AAT Apprenticeship route compliments our established graduate intake scheme and so far the quality of young people joining our business as apprentices has been very impressive, with all candidates demonstrating a real enthusiasm and eagerness to learn new skills.'

The £1,500 AGE grant has now been extended until March 2014 and is available to employers who have not appointed an apprentice within the previous 12 months.

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