Flexible study launched to help mums gain professional Qualification

A new way of studying has been created for people whose lives are structured around their family or work. Potential
students have the chance to enroll in wholly flexible courses and study at their own pace for a professional qualification in book-keeping - one of the most popular professions for working mothers.

Unrestricted by term-time schedules, the pioneering courses are fully tutored and will particularly appeal to single mothers and dual income families. Devised by The Institute of Certified Book-keepers, the world's largest book-keeping institution, and Pitman Training, the UK's leading
training company, the courses are now available at 80 centres around the UK and Ireland.

The new courses are a response to demand by mothers for more opportunities to learn at their leisure while simultaneously juggling other demands on their time. This is reflected by the fact that research shows flexibility
has become key to the average Briton's working life. In addition, the latest report (2003) by the 1Department of Trade and Industry, highlights that Britain has one of the highest rates of female employment in Europe:
around 69 per cent of women of working age are employed. In addition, there are more dual income families than ever, and 54 per cent of single parents work. In line with other major economies, the 2Government aims to increase
this figure to 70 per cent by 2010.



They are suitable for anyone wishing to learn the basics of book-keeping for a career change or to enhance job prospects - or to understand the principles of book-keeping for their own business. Individuals choose times
to suit them, including evenings and weekends, and can study fast or over an extended time.

Students work through a programme while listening to audio tapes, with supervisors on hand at all times to provide support. Practical exercises are undertaken throughout the course and examinations, which are held at the end of each module, are independently assessed.

Any student who takes and passes the Basic Book-keeping, Sales and Purchase Ledger and Final Accounts courses receives a formal professional qualification from The Institute of Certified Book-keepers and is invited to
apply for membership as an Affiliate Member.

These new range of book-keeping courses supplement college-based and home study courses. It is the flexibility and the hands-on nature of the training that make them different, says Garry Carter, chief executive of
The Institute of Certified Book-keepers.

Some 74 per cent of The Institute of Certified Book-keeper's 100,000 student members in the UK are female and, of these, 'women returners' (those returning to work after having children) form the vast majority.

Mums in particular may choose to enroll on the course to give themselves an interest away from home life - they can decide later whether they want to freelance or look for a job within a company. The flexibility doesn't need
to stop at the learning stage, the qualification allows you to continue to set your own agenda, says Garry Carter.

www.book-keepers.org