STAFF and students at Worcester College of Technology are celebrating the success of the first year of the new Diploma Pathway offered through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

The course was offered at the college for the first time last September, and is divided into three qualifications; certificate, advanced certificate, and diploma in accounting.

Aubrey Penning, the programme area manager for accounting, said: "This new qualification has been extremely popular with both staff and students. The Certificate in Accounting, which has no specific entry requirements, attracted record numbers of students and we are looking forward to a high rate of achievement."

The college was also chosen by the AAT to pilot computer-based examinations as an alternative to traditional examinations for the certificate, and many students found this approach to assessment beneficial.

Martina Ward, the AAT qualifications development project manager, said: "The AAT has been delighted to work with Worcester College of Technology as one of the first colleges to offer this innovative new route to the AAT Accounting Qualification. The Diploma Pathway offers a more streamlined and fit for purpose option for learners wishing to train for a career in accounting.

"The increase in students completing the course at this college clearly demonstrates the increased accessibility that this pathway brings.

"We look forward to working with the college further to continue helping even more local students fulfil their ambitions." The AAT Diploma Pathway courses are all offered on a choice of one day per week, or two evenings, or a half-day plus an evening.

The college is holding an accountancy open day on July 10 at St Wulstan's Building, Deansway.

Staff will be available from 10am until 8pm to discuss the range of courses available with anyone who would like to call in. These include book-keeping courses and professional courses for ACCA and CIMA as well as the AAT courses referred to above.