Short skills programmes are an alternative entry into the financial world.
IF you’re in a hurry to acquire financial skills that will make you employable n a relatively short time, you should consider enrolling for bookkeeping and accounting skills are in high demand. Skills programmes are regarded as one of the most dynamic features of our evolving education and training systems.
But unfortunately many would be bookkeepers and accountants are not aware of the skills programme option, says Natalie Rabson of Boston City Campus and Business College.
“There are no short cuts in education, especially not when it comes to getting a qualification in the accounting and finance arena,” she says. “You can, however, choose a route that suits your circumstances pocket better than others.” There are degrees, diplomas, certificates and learnerships to choose from. There are NQF levels, unit standards and credits to look at.
Prospective students can become confused with all the terminology being thrown at them that they either drop the idea of further studies or choose the first, and not necessarily the best, option they see. So what are skills programme and why are they a good study option?
Put very simple, a skills programme is a short course of study during which you complete one or more modules or subjects. You write exams and assessments and if you pass them you get a certificate stating that you have completed the skills programme focuses not on academic knowledge alone but on getting skills that you can put to use immediately in a place of work. Other characteristic that distinguishes skills programmes are:
Easier entry – skills programmes are on different levels from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means that if you don’t have a matric certificate, you can still enroll. Without matric you can enroll for an NQF level 3 skills programme on NQF level 4 or 5. You can advance from one level to another.
Gather credits –a skill programmes do not lead into a qualification that stands on its own. When you complete a skills programme does not lead to a qualification that stands on its own. When you complete a skills programme you get a skill – not a qualification. But every module or subject that you complete counts as a credit. When you have the required number of credits, you can obtain a national qualification.
Short and intense training – some skills programme has a theoretical components’ well as practical component whereby you’re required to spend time in a real workplace practicing a particular skill. It’s similar to a learnership except that a learnership is longer and entails variety of skills. Skills programmes are designed according to the needs of employers and industry so that students become truly employable.
Accredited and recognized – skills programmes are accredited and recognized by the Setas (sector education and training authorities). They are on an equal footing to other training programmes or courses; some are on graduate level (NQF level 6)
Affordable – skills programme cam be more affordable if fees are difficult because you pay per programme and per module completed.
Individual or corporate – you can enroll for a skills programme as an individual. But a company can also opt to have an employee or a group of employees complete a skills programme, either at the company’s premises itself or at an accredited training institution. Speak to your HR officer in this regard as your company gets tax benefits when it invests in training.
Bookkeeping and accounting skills programmes
The following are popular choices:
Assistant bookkeeper – this skills programme deals with the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and the recording of transactions in different books of account, debtors and credit control.
Bookkeeper – deals with preparing annual financial statements including year-end adjustments and depreciation.
Payroll – this skills programme focuses on mainly on the accounting function of the payroll administrator.
Cost and management accounting – this programme has been designed for the training of costing clerks and cost accountants.
Income Tax – skills programme aimed at training individuals who wish to register as tax practitioners with the SA Revenue Service.
Students that apply for admission at Boston City Campus & Business College will get a response to their applications within two working days. And those that apply long in advance for their 2016 studie…
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