STUDENTS in the South East with good A-level grades are being offered a high-speed route to one of the world's most prestigious business qualifications -- without going to university.

A “fast-track” training programme for would-be chartered accountants is growing in popularity in the South East as a way of attracting bright school-leavers into the profession.

After completing a two-year Association of Accounting Technicians' (AAT) course, trainees can then switch to the Institute of Chartered Accountants' scheme, which normally takes another two years to gain the ACA qualification.

The South Eastern Society of Chartered Accountants (SESCA), which represents the profession in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, is keen to promote fast track training.

SESCA president Ruairidh MacKenzie said the AAT-to-ACA fast-track route was already proving popular with local firms.

"It appeals to accountancy firms of all sizes because it is more economical and enables them to retain high calibre staff by providing career development over a four-year period," he said. "If trainees are under 25, the government will subsidise their tuition costs through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme."

"For the school-leavers, it means they can start earning straight away, without facing the expense of university tuition fees, student loans and the costs of living away from home."

He added: "They also have the satisfaction of knowing they are working towards a prestigious, internationally-recognised qualification, leading to a wide range of career options. The fast-track scheme should appeal to 18-year-olds who may be having second thoughts about embarking on a degree course."

More information on the AAT to ACA fast-track scheme is available at www.icaew.co.uk/training