Improve your finance skills

Guide your business through financial challenges

The business environment is always evolving and changes happen all the time so we must adapt to keep on top. Some of these recent changes include Making Tax Digital and auto-enrolment, which make the role of the accountant more demanding. Long gone are the days of just preparing the accounts and doing an annual tax return. Whether working in-house or for an agency, accountants need to be armed with the knowledge and skills to navigate through numerous financial challenges.

Technology – having your finger on the pulse

Making Tax Digital is a Government initiative to make HMRC into an online system.

By 2020 most businesses will be required to keep track of their tax affairs digitally. This new digital system will not only tell you how much tax you have to pay, but will help you budget for future business growth.

Connecting – drives business success

Relationship building internally and externally is a great way to identify opportunities

and influence decision-makers. To do this, accountants need to understand the personal impact of financial data and be able to translate and communicate this across all levels of a business. Today, accountants need to review all elements of business through integrated reports to drive business success.

Adapt – skills keep you and your business up-to-date

The ability to adapt and keep up-to-date with technical skills and knowledge will help your business identify future trends, giving you a competitive edge. Through training and apprenticeships for your workforce, we can help you address the critical needs of your business, enabling you to mould an effective and productive workforce.

Upcoming AAT Courses

AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting

Start Dates: 

12 September 2017, 9am to 1pm - Cornwall College, Camborne

12 September 2017, 5pm to 9pm - Cornwall College, St Austell

12 September 2017, 9am to 1pm - Cornwall College, Saltash

14 September 2017, 5pm to 9pm - Cornwall College, Camborne

15 September 2017, 9am to 1pm - Cornwall College, St Austell

What will I learn? 

During the AAT Level 2, you will learn finance administrator skills e.g. double entry bookkeeping, basic costing principles, and purchase, sales and general ledgers. Upon successful completion, you could progress to the AAT Level 3 Diploma.

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AAT Level 3 Advance Diploma in Accounting

Start Dates: 

5 September 2017, 5pm to 9pm - Cornwall College, Camborne

6 September 2017, 9am to 3pm - Cornwall College, Camborne

6 September 2017, 9am to 3pm -  Cornwall College, St Austell

7 September 2017, 5pm to 9pm -  Cornwall College, St Austell

7 September 2017, 9am to 3pm - Cornwall College, Saltash

What will I learn? 

This is a follow on course from the AAT Level 2. During this course, you will learn more complex finance officer processes e.g. final accounts for sole traders and partnerships, reports and returns, and professional ethics. Upon successful completion, you could progress to the AAT Level 4 Diploma.

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AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting

Start Dates: 

5 September 2017, 9am to 3.30pm - Cornwall College, St Austell

6 September 2017, 9am to 3.30pm - Cornwall College, Saltash

6 September 2017, 5pm to 9pm -  Cornwall College, Camborne

7 September 2017, 9am to 3.30pm - Cornwall College, Camborne

What will I learn? 

This is a follow on course from the AAT Level 3. During this course, you will learn finance team leader skills e.g. financial statements for limited companies, complex management accounting tasks, management skills and specialist learning areas.

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Computerised Payroll IAB Award Level 2

Start Dates: 

18 September 2017, 2pm to 5pm - Cornwall College, Camborne

What will I learn? 

This qualification provides the necessary skills to carry out a range of basic day-to-day computerised payroll routines and activities using commercially available computerised payroll software – SAGE Payroll.

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Computerised Payroll IAB Award Level 3

What will I learn? 

This qualification provides the necessary skills to carry out a range of day-to-day computerised payroll routines and activities using commercially available computerised payroll software – SAGE Payroll.

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Management Accounting CIMA Diploma Level 5

Venue: 

Cornwall College, Camborne

Date: 

14 September 2017, 2pm to 6pm

What will I learn? 

The CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting is for anyone wishing to start working towards this highly regarded, internationally recognised, professional management accounting qualification.

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Management Accounting CIMA Advanced Diploma Level 7

Venue: 

Cornwall College, Camborne

Date: 

12 September 2017, 2pm to 6pm

What will I learn? 

The CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting is for anyone wishing to continue working towards this highly regarded, internationally recognised, professional management accounting qualification.

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The benefits of taking on an apprentice

“I find taking on apprentices is the best way to bring employees into the business. They bring fresh minds that absorb and learn so much in the first years of working.”Emma Gilbert, Buttons Accounting Limited

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Accountancy New Standard Apprenticeships

New Standard Apprenticeships are perfect for addressing the critical needs of your business, enabling you to mould an effective and productive workforce.

By taking on new staff, or upskilling your existing staff through accountancy apprenticeships, you develop their practical skills to manage finances, budgets and cash flow more effectively. This will ultimately keep your business on a secure financial footing.

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Download your copy of our Business Training Guide 2017 to see a complete list of courses available. 

Pendennis Apprenticeship Scheme

Pendennis is a world-class and award winning Custom Build and Refit superyacht yard in Falmouth, UK, specialising in luxury sail and motor yachts 30-100m. Pendennis have been operating a successful apprenticeship scheme for the last 18 years.

What were the businesses issues/challenges to undertake training or take on apprentices?

The Pendennis Apprenticeship Scheme, which is a nationally recognised and awarding winning scheme, has trained over 200 young men and women in the key industry trades over the past 18 years.  The vision behind the scheme came from the Directors, and it was that the shipyard became more self-reliant on the skills needed with home grown talent to deliver the quality product that Pendennis has become synonymous for.  Another big driving factor behind the scheme, which the yard worked tirelessly to promote, was affording opportunities to young local people.  Apprentices at Pendennis get a fantastic career pathway set out in front of them with the chance to grow and develop with the business.  Progression is a key part of the business strategy at Pendennis, with apprentices often moving into senior positions having learned their trade with the company.  By taking on young people from the local community Pendennis has clearly identified a way for their apprentices to contribute to the local economy as well as the business. Another key driver behind the implementation of such a comprehensive apprenticeship scheme has been continued improvement for the business. 

The training undertaken:

The high quality nature of the business requires highly skilled people with a wider appreciation of the service to the customer and their requirements. The Pendennis Apprenticeship Scheme started in 1998 with The Cornwall College Group in its first basic format and has evolved into a specialised bespoke programme as a continued partnership ever since. In August 2016 Pendennis reached a fantastic landmark in employing their 200th apprentice since the apprenticeship scheme began back in 1998, which is an incredible achievement that really underlines the commitment to training and providing opportunities for young people that Pendennis embodies.

What impacts and benefits has the training had on the company?

Over the past 18 years that Pendennis has been operating their apprenticeship scheme, over 95% of apprentices have been offered full-time employment at Pendennis upon graduation.  17.5% of the management team are ex-apprentices responsible for key areas with the shipyard. The amount of skills that have to be out-sourced has been reduced from 75% in 2005 to almost 10% currently and that has only been achievable due to the commitment to employing apprentices from the local community. Now 35% of the workforce is aged less than 30 years old compared to 29% back in 1998 which will help sustain the business for the future.

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.

Apprenticeships at The Eden Project

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is an Educational Charity based in a disused China Clay pit near St Austell. Since opening they have welcomed over 18 million visitors to their site, relying on a team of over 450 employees and 150 volunteers. 

What were the businesses issues/challenges to undertake training?

Eden made the decision to invest in apprenticeships because they believe it’s their duty to support young people in Cornwall and give them opportunities to develop into their chosen careers. As an educational charity, developing apprentices allows them to meet their charitable aims, whilst also supporting the local economy through developing talent. It also makes business sense for Eden to be investing in succession planning through apprenticeships, by developing people into areas they struggle to recruit. Such as Chef and Horticulture, Eden often find it difficult to recruit people with the requisite level of knowledge, skills and experience to fill vacancies and as such made the decision that they would start to ‘grow their own’.

The training undertook:

The Eden Project currently employs 30 apprentices in 10 different teams; Horticulture, Chefs, Hospitality, Retail, Narrators, Graphics, Finance, Facilities, Events and Marketing. All of their apprentices are on two year contracts, with an intake of 15 apprentices per year.

Eden’s mission is to develop enterprising and employable young people who are motivated to leave the world better than they found it. To do this they have created add-ons beyond their main learning frameworks such as a Sustainable Enterprise programme, a ‘Plough-to-Plate’ project, individual skills workshops and a mentoring scheme. Eden have partnered with many local employers to give their apprentices additional support and opportunity’s including trips to River Cottage, Newlyn Fish market, Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant and workshops in Coppicing and Bee-keeping. All of these things take significant organisational commitment to deliver, but they feel that they are vital in developing apprentices who will go on to achieve extraordinary things.

What impacts and benefits has the training had on the company?

Apprenticeships have brought Eden many benefits and have become highly valued across the business. A significant sign of this is that over the last two intakes teams who previously didn't want to recruit apprentices have seen the impact they have had on the rest of the business and have requested to recruit their own. One of the most notable benefits of apprenticeships to Eden, has been the positive impact on succession planning. They currently employ six skilled Horticulturists from their previous horticultural apprenticeship programme and already employ five of the apprentices who have just graduated from their expanded programme. This is a really important benefit for Eden as they have struggled in the past to recruit people with the right knowledge and skills into the teams these apprentices work in.

"Apprenticeships are a hugely important part of what we do. We are an educational charity and take very seriously our role in bringing along the next generation of young people. Eden apprentices are the leaders of tomorrow and there are no limits to what they can achieve." Gordon Seabright, Managing Director of The Eden Project

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.

Cookery Apprenticeship in Cornwall

Wesley Ashwell, 19 years old, is currently training for a Level 2 Professional Cookery Apprenticeship at the Michelin listed Globe Restaurant with Rooms in Fowey. Having initially started as a kitchen porter, Wesley asked if could be trained in the kitchen on an apprenticeship. After six months the Second Chef position became available and Wesley was supported through intense training to develop the skills to fill the role.

When the establishment opened in April 2015, Wesley was a shy, quiet individual. Since starting his apprenticeship he has grown in confidence and works calmly under pressure, has immense attention to detail and a natural ability to match flavour and ingredients. It was because of these traits that helped him gain the award for Apprentice of the Year (19+ year old) at The Excellence in Business Training Awards 2017, hosted by CCB.

Tony Goodman, Owner of The Globe Restaurant, commented; “Since starting his apprenticeship it has been a pleasure to watch his confidence grow and his personality shine through.  He has never become conceited or over confident despite the praise which has been rightly heaped on him by myself but has a confidence in his own abilities that enables him to approach any situation without fear.”

Working under Glynn Wellington, Head Chef at The Globe, Wesley has perfected shellfish dishes and is now trained to cook the main dishes for the restaurant, Tony explained; “this meant that Wes was able to fly through his remaining criteria in his apprenticeship and in 30 years we have never seen anyone learn so quickly and become so competent in such a short space of time.”

Having excelled in all areas of the kitchen Wesley has also been given the responsibility to help train another younger apprentice at The Globe, as well as carrying out his duties to a high standard. The pressure is never too much for the young chef and during one of the restaurants busiest day he proved that he could take on the challenge and impressed his employers. 

Tony said; “On Carnival Day in Fowey he had sole charge of the kitchen…on that day we had more covers and took more money than any day in the history of the business.”

Wesley is a valued, respected and vital member of the kitchen team and the entire business, he has learnt his trade so quickly that the Owner can now concentrate on increasing the businesses portfolio and trade rather than covering in the kitchen.

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.

Business and Administration Apprenticeship

Steph Ould, from St Austell, has recently completed a Business and Administration Apprenticeship Level 2 working as a Talent and Development Apprentice within the Talent Strategy Team at Cornwall Council. Steph was shortlisted for The Excellence in Business training Awards 2017, hosted by CCB, as Apprentice of the Year (19+ years old), she came runner up in an impressive category.

Steph is a 22 year old, mother of two who studied locally at Poltair School and Cornwall College St Austell before having children and deciding that university wasn’t for her due to family commitments. Studying for an apprenticeship was the way that Steph decided she could still get a recognised qualification and spend time with her family.

Currently Steph is studying for her Level 3 Business and Administration Apprenticeship, having completed her Level 2 which she started in 2015. Woking at Cornwall Council was the first job that Steph has had and she quickly established herself as a key member of the team.  

Today Steph supports the team to deliver the Council’s apprentice programmes, sending emails to managers and apprentices, maintaining databases. As an apprentice she adds another dimension to the role, being able to answer questions from other apprentices and signposting them to the right support. Steph also acts as an advocate for apprenticeships, attending open days and sharing experience. 

Steph explains; “Working for the Council is great, I like it here, my team and my job. I feel proud every day when putting on my Cornwall Council lanyard!”

Steph juggles family life, being a Brownie Leader and an active member of the Muscular Dystrophy Charity alongside work. Steph is enthusiastic; her passion and dedication always shines through, this is evident from the extra training courses she has completed at college whilst studying for her apprenticeship. 

“I have gained a level 2 functional skill in ICT and through the Councils Learning & Development Team; I have learned to use Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook to a higher level.”

Already planning her next steps, Steph hopes to progress onto a Level 3 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification. 

Elizabeth Symons, Steph’s Line Manager, commented; “Steph is very much focussed on making a future for herself. At the beginning of the course, she drew herself a project plan, scheduling all the dates and the modules and giving herself a target for completion.”

Despite the pressures of life outside of work, Steph’s commitment is evident, she has grown and developed over the last 9 months and has acquired a number of transferable skills within one of Cornwall’s largest employers.

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.