Furloughed staff increasing skill-set with Premier Training and AAT

Furloughed employees across the UK are using time at home to enhance their CVs with Premier Training’s AAT courses.

More than seven million workers across the UK have been furloughed as companies utilise the Government’s wage subsidy scheme to protect jobs during the Covid-19 crisis.

The initiative allows employees to be retained on the payroll even though they aren’t working, with businesses currently able to claim 80% of their workers’ wages – up to £2,500 per person each month.

During furlough, employees are unable to work for that employer.

‘The ideal time to enhance my CV’

What they can do though is train, develop and enhance their CVs with additional qualifications.

Many are taking the opportunity to do just that, embarking on AAT distance learning accounting and bookkeeping qualifications for the first time.

“I was furloughed from work earlier this month and felt it was the ideal time to enhance my CV with an AAT qualification,” said one student, who has enrolled onto the Foundation Certificate in Accounting with Premier Training.

“This provides me with a great chance to progress my career and ensure I have a structure and a purpose while I’m away from work.

“The course is specifically developed for distance/home learning. I can access a host of online learning resources and hard copy study manuals – and contact my tutor for any guidance.”

Meanwhile, thousands of existing AAT students are increasing their study hours and accelerating their learning in readiness for the next level or step in their career.

Rose Crockett, Premier Training’s Operations Director, said: “If you have been furloughed or you have more time at home, why not use this opportunity and make the best of the situation?

“This is an opportunity for new and existing AAT students to make significant progress towards an accounting or bookkeeping qualification and to enhance their CVs.”

Government guidance also advises that workers on furlough should be signposted by employers to seek additional training and development opportunities.

It states: “Furloughed employees can engage in training, as long as in undertaking the training the employee does not provide services to, or generate revenue for, or on behalf of their organisation or a linked or associated organisation.”

The guidance adds: “Furloughed employees should be encouraged to undertake training.”

• Have you been furloughed? Find out more about Premier Training’s AAT accountancy courses here.