Moving On magazine Careers and Qualifications for School Leavers
You don’t need a degree to break into business, finance or law – check out these alternative routes…
By Niamh Mackey
There is a wealth of entry routes into careers in finance, most of which only require three A*- C grades at GCSE with an A or B in maths and English. If you don’t want to take A-levels, you can take the AAT Level 2 Diploma in accounting, and then progress to the Level 3 and 4 Diploma, which are offered at most local colleges of further education.
If you do decide to take A-levels you have a wider range of options, including the Level 3 and 4 Diploma, or a higher apprenticeship which combines both learning the necessary skills and undertaking the CFAB (Certificate of Finance, Business and Accounting) whilst working as a trainee accountant. Most universities offer degrees in finance and accounting. This route requires at least 3 A-levels, preferably in maths and business studies/economics.
You could also take the ICAEW’s CFAB, which incorporates areas of law and management which are designed to help you gain a more rounded view of the world of business. This certificate is open to school leavers and college or university students and there are no formal entry requirements.
Many firms offer a range of apprenticeships in business, marketing and HR (human resources). While gaining hands-on, practical experience, you will also study for a business qualification with the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development), the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) or City & Guilds. There are also many online learning providers such as BPP, which offer apprenticeships, classroom- based or online courses and professional qualifications in various aspects of business, finance and law.
As a school leaver, if you choose not to take A-levels, a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business can be taken prior to an apprenticeship and is offered at many colleges. If you choose to take the more traditional route through A-levels and a degree, universities offer a huge variety of business-based degrees.
Law is a versatile area in which there are hundreds of possible career options. After a law degree, there are two main options – to become either a solicitor or a barrister, both of which require extra training, with either the BPTC (Bar Professional Training Council) or the LPC (Legal practice Course) respectively.
Some solicitors firms offer paralegal apprenticeship contracts, which give you legal training while you study part time for the Level 2 Diploma in Legal Studies, offered by City & Guilds. After A-levels, the Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice is also a viable route into the legal profession, working your way upwards within a firm, gaining qualifications that will aid your future employability along the way.
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