HOT TOPIC
Time to celebrate payroll apprenticeships
Gemma Mullis MCIPPdip, end point assessment specialist, IPP Education Limited, discusses the merits of payroll apprenticeships and talks to those who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the qualification
A pprentices have come a long way in recent years, and apprenticeships are now available in most occupational sectors. The historic notion that apprenticeships had to be aimed at ‘school leavers’ or ‘young adults’ has shifted so it’s now recognised that apprenticeships are used as a form of training for the current workforce, enabling employers to upskill their teams. It can be presumed that the introduction of the apprenticeship levy has prompted this change – back in 2019/20, it was estimated that levy funds would provide over £2.5 billion to invest in employee training.
Why choose a payroll apprenticeship?
A payroll apprenticeship will give you the technical knowledge required to ensure you’re processing payroll accurately and on time, but also allows you to understand the additional skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to be successful in a payroll role. Many believe that payroll is just pushing a button or number crunching, but, those within the profession know there’s a lot more to it. Payroll can play an integral part within an organisation – from helping to manage budgets, to implementation of new systems and designing reward packages, which ultimately aid an organisation to grow and attract new employees while retaining current staff. Both apprenticeship levels offer insight into these areas, asking the apprentice to look at the bigger picture and giving them the confidence to excel in their chosen career. Don’t just take my word for it… We have spoken to apprentices who are either in the process of completing an apprenticeship in payroll or have recently completed one, asking them why they chose payroll and how this has enhanced their career. The varied job titles of the featured apprentices are testament to the fact that the stereotype of being an apprentice is shifting. With more and more employers having to pay the apprenticeship levy, why aren’t more employers using this funding to upskill their employees and give them the confidence to progress in what is becoming a more recognised career path? A special thank you to Peak Accountancy, MBKB and Leicestershire County Council for sharing their apprentices’ experiences with us, all of which highlight the positive reasons why choosing an apprenticeship in payroll is great, not just for the individuals, but also for organisations. n
Kerri Kingston, senior payroll specialist, Aviva Why did you choose a payroll apprenticeship? I chose a payroll apprenticeship as I’m looking to progress my career to the next level. I knew Aviva would support my learning and development alongside my current role, and this would give me opportunities to learn and apply my knowledge in real time as the course progressed. An apprenticeship builds professional relationships and networks within the workplace and enables you to interact and collaborate with others, while teaching you to gain the skills in a real working environment. How has this enhanced your career? An apprenticeship builds on your knowledge, skills and behaviours. During my course I‘ve gained confidence to lead and teach what I have learnt, by giving presentations and leading training sessions in specific areas of knowledge. I’ve connected with areas of the business that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to before, which has highlighted me as a senior member of the team. My employer can see my progress which gives them the confidence to stretch my learning and current responsibilities. I hope I’ll inspire others to develop their career by doing an apprenticeship.
Payroll apprenticeships There are currently two levels of
apprenticeships available that solely relate to payroll. As we’re all aware, payroll is a profession, therefore having an apprenticeship available in this sector makes sense. The Level 3 payroll apprenticeship is aimed at those with job titles such as: l payroll administrator l payroll assistant l payroll junior. The learning outcomes contain not just the technical knowledge but also the behaviour and skills expected at such a position. The Level 5 Assistant Payroll Manager apprenticeship is a step up from Level 3, as the knowledge base is expanded to more technical aspects of payroll. In addition, this level also explores leadership, negotiation skills and project management, giving those who undertake the qualification the confidence to gain a seat at the strategic table – something we’re driving for in the profession.
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | February 2023 | Issue 87 56
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