The Virtual work experience (VWEX) programme from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) gives 14-19 year olds the chance to get an insight into what it is like working in bookkeeping and accounting, removing many of the traditional barriers to access. The scheme is free for all schools and pupils in the UK.

One of the big benefits is that the programme will be open to any pupils; they can sign up easily removing the struggle to get placements if they don’t have contacts in the sector with no accountants, bookkeepers or tax advisers in their family network, which of course the majority do not have access to.

Also, they will not have to pay out expensive travel costs or face location based restrictions as everything can be done remotely.

The programme has been developed by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)  in partnership with Springpod, an online careers and work experience platform.

The AAT VWEX scheme is a fully remote, interactive programme and allows participants to explore eight modules, each one focusing on different topics such as bookkeeping, accounting, employability skills, and career pathways and progression, along with a variety of practical webinars and activities from finance professionals.

There are also two sprints in the AAT programme - short real-life simulated tasks, filmed with AAT tutors, Melanie Walker and Ellis Harris-Boulter - giving pupils a practical taste of what a career or apprenticeship in finance might involve.

The virtual format removes many of the challenges associated with traditional work placements - such as travel, accommodation, location-based restrictions or lack of contacts within their personal networks - ensuring that students from all backgrounds, regardless of geography or personal circumstances, have the chance to take part.

Isla Billett, product director - membership, at AAT, said: ‘We know how powerful work experience can be in shaping a young person’s future - but access to it is not always equal.

‘Our virtual programme is designed to help level the playing field by giving students a meaningful, engaging, and practical insight into the world of accounting and bookkeeping.

‘By simulating real-world environments and scenarios, we can help them build confidence, develop transferable skills, and understand the opportunities that a ‘professional career can offer.’

Without doubt the programme widens access to work experience, although whether sitting in front of a computer will be quite the same as having the chance to actually meet real world colleagues and learn first-hand is open for debate in today’s hybrid working world.

‘We believe talent should be recognised and nurtured, regardless of where someone comes from,’ said Billett. ‘By investing in this initiative, we’re not only supporting the next generation of potential accounting professionals but also taking a proactive role to unlock potential and build a more inclusive profession for the future.’

The initiative has been developed with training platform Springpod and is a ground-breaking development, for the first time really breaking down barriers to access.

Springpod CEO Sam Hyams said: ‘Opportunities like this are invaluable - they give students a real sense of what a career in accountancy can look like, while equipping them with practical experience that sets them apart.’

The AAT Virtual work experience programme is now live. To find out more please visit springpod.aat.org.uk