Professional skills
The Next Generation ACA features a new framework of 25 professional development skills split across five key competency areas. A three-stage proficiency model will guide students to develop their unique skills portfolio, supported by their employer as part of their regular six-monthly review meetings.
The Next Generation ACA professional skills development framework has been designed to:
- Drive career longevity with a focus on key transferrable skills such as communication, critical thinking and leadership
- Celebrate diversity by creating personalised views of students' professional development
- Empower employers to hold holistic and valuable development conversations with students
- Encourage lifelong learning and development, by helping students and employers to identify development opportunities and supporting them with relevant resources
- Compliment the UK Level 7 Apprenticeship* by improving alignment with apprenticeship standards.
* More information will be released once the revised UK Level 7 Apprenticeship Standards have been confirmed.
Professional experience
Students will need to complete 450 days of professional work experience with one of our authorised training employers, which will typically take between three and five years.
The knowledge, skills and experience students gain as part of their professional work experience are invaluable, giving them the opportunity to put what they're learning into practice and gives them the opportunity to:
- apply the technical knowledge gained during your studies;
- develop your personal effectiveness;
- develop business awareness skills; and,
- exercise professional judgement.