Like many Premier Training students, Remi Martinelli has used her time on furlough to study an AAT qualification – and enhance her CV.

Having been furloughed from her admin role in March, Remi saw an opportunity to gain a practical, internationally recognised qualification to support her future career aspirations.

After researching the best path for her, she enrolled onto the AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting with Premier Training in May.

She said: “Having all this time off made me realise it was now or never – I either found something I could have a career in or I lost the opportunity forever. Going on furlough definitely gave me the push I needed to start studying again.

“Before I was furloughed, I had already decided that I was ready to study again but just didn’t know what I wanted to study.

“Someone my mum knows is currently studying AAT and chatting to her helped me decide that AAT was the best way forward. I’m really pleased to now have something extra to add to my CV.”

With units in Bookkeeping Transactions, Bookkeeping Controls and Elements of Costing already completed – and all passed with distinctions – Remi hopes to complete her Level 2 qualification in early 2021.

New career opportunities

“On average, I study between 8-10 hours each week,” she explained. “Some weeks it may be a bit more, when I have an exam coming up, but I try not to overwork myself.

“I find that if I do around three hours in one day that is more than enough. When I get to a point where I am struggling to concentrate anymore I try to stop.

“Doing at least two hours is enough some days and it’s obviously working as I’ve passed all three of my exams so far!”

The Foundation Certificate in Accounting will provide Remi with new career opportunities, and also the option to move onto the higher AAT Accounting levels.

She said: “Ideally, I would like to get to Level 4 with AAT but I am just taking it one step at a time! I’m currently only on Level 2 but will definitely be moving onto Level 3 in the New Year.

“My plan is to then find a role in an accountancy practice or a finance department where I can learn and progress and use the skills I’ve learnt in my studies.”

Did you know? You can begin your AAT journey with no previous experience or qualifications with the Foundation Certificate in Accounting? Click here for more.