At Premier Training, we are shaping our AAT apprenticeship offer around the needs of employers and their teams.
To help us achieve this, we’ve asked employers what they need and value from an apprenticeship provider.
We found that employers are generally looking for reliability, simplicity and real workplace impact. In the context of AAT and finance apprenticeships, amongst the key things employers want are:
- Less admin
- More skilled staff
- Clear communication
- Practical training
- A provider they can trust
However, there are a wide range of criteria that employers value and require. Here are some of the most important factors according to our employer feedback:
1. Minimal admin and clear guidance
Employers want a provider who:
- Handles the paperwork, compliance and funding rules
- Explains requirements clearly (20% off-the-job training, reviews, EPA, etc.)
- Makes the process easy and time-efficient for the business
Less disruption to day-to-day operations is a big win for employers.
2. Apprentices who add value at work
Employers expect the training to:
- Be practical and job-relevant, not just theory
- Align with real accounting tasks (bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, accounts prep)
- Help apprentices apply learning immediately in the workplace
With AAT apprenticeships, employers especially value work-ready accounting skills.
3. Strong communication and support
They want a provider who:
- Keeps regular contact with both employer and apprentice
- Flags issues early (attendance, progress, concerns)
- Is responsive and easy to get hold of
A named contact or coach is often very important.
4. High-quality tutors and coaching
Employers care that:
- Tutors understand both AAT and real accounting environments
- Coaches can relate learning to the apprentice’s actual job role
- Support is consistent, not just ‘hands-off online learning’
5. Flexibility
Businesses value providers who can:
- Fit training around workloads and busy periods
- Adapt learning plans to the employer’s systems and processes
- Offer flexible delivery (online, blended, remote reviews)
6. Compliance & funding confidence
Employers want reassurance that:
- Funding is used correctly
- The apprenticeship meets ESFA and AAT requirements
- There’s no risk to the business from audits or clawbacks
Find out how Premier Training’s AAT apprenticeships meet all the requirements above and more. Click here to register your interest.
