|
|
Hi!
I am
Interested in studying to become a bookkeeper with the hope of ending up as self enployed when qualified.
I am 5 months pregnant but am off work from my nursing job in the NHS as I have a problem with my pelvis so I have loads of time on my hands as I'm stuck in the house due to reduced mobility.
I am looking at the Ideal Schools courses but am not sure whether to by each one or two as I go or to buy a multipack type thing that includes all the courses I need to get AICB membership.
Has anyone used these courses? Are they any good for a complete newby to bookkeeping (although it has only been a year since i last studied at uni so my brains in good nick!!) and which way did you buy these courses?
Any help and advice would be very much appreciate!!
Amy
|
|
|
Hi Amy,
Can't comment on Ideal, but if you are looking around I found the Kaplan course superb.
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 481 posts
|
I think when I went with Ideal Schools it was before you had to pass both parts of the manual and computerised. I think I ordered Manual I, II & III and Computerised II. Somehow computerised III ended up being included as well. I regret doing it this way and wish I'd gone for the career path course and got the course in Small Business Financial Control thrown in as well.
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 336 posts
|
I studied with Ideal Schools last year and after some doubt as to whether I would enjoy studying again I opted for the packaged manual 1, computerised 1, manual 2, and computerised 2. Like Peasie I wish I'd had the confidence to go for the career path, or at least to level 3 in everything as now I'm too busy to study for level 3. It's also a lot cheaper to buy the bulk package.
I found Ideal to be really helpful, the course material was well written and easy to understand, and I wouldn't heistate to recommend them. For info I had passed all four courses within 4 months (and I was working part-time and have two teenage children).
Good luck,
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 42 posts
|
Hi Amy,
I can thoroughly recommend Ideal Schools. I went for the career path option just over 18 months ago and I have just passed the computerised level III exam, with 98%. Yes it is hard work but it has been well worth it.
I'm now working through Level III Payroll, all part of the package.
Ideal schools are really helpful if you are stuck on anything, so give them a go.
Also don't forget to join your local ICB branch.
Good luck.
Adam
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 67 posts
|
Hi Amy
I chose the "career path" course with Ideal Schools and would thoroughly recommend them.
Like you I had no previous experience in bookkeeping and studied at my own pace to fit family life and other committments around my course work. I chose the payroll and self assessment tax modules together with the level 3 studies as recommended by Ideal schools to give me a good range of services to offer as I am now starting up my own bookkeeping business from home.
I have 2 young children and completed my level 3 bookkeeping studies in just under 12months, completing the Payroll and Self Assessment Diplomas earlier this year. It is considerably longer than a year since I last did any studying so I'm sure you will fly through your studies faster than I did! Some people have completed the course in just a few months.
The reason I chose bookkeeping was to fit a new career in around my children and other home committments. My previous career before children was very long hours and a lot of travelling. I feel that bookkeeping is a career that you can choose how much or how little you take on to suit your situation. If everything gets a little bit hectic after your baby is born you can just take it a bit slower and go your own pace, you'll always have the work modules to revise from if you leave it a while and get a little rusty.
I found the tutors at Ideal Schools really helpful and very easy to contact so I would say go for it and all the very best!
|
|
|
Thanks for your replies!
Like you Karen my current career in the NHS is not going to be ideal with children thrown into the mix, i'd like to be my own boss and be able to work my hours around my little one, although if I have to work for someone part time for a bit while i get my business off the ground it will be an easy compromise! How is it going starting up your own business?
I have just enrolled in the career pathway after much thought as it really looks like the best value for money especially as you get the Sage software included.
Can't wait to get going now, hope it doesn't take to long to arrive!
Thanks for all your helpful comments!
Amy
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 67 posts
|
Hi Amy
That's great! All the very best with your studies. I am officially self employed as from today! so I will let you know how it goes!
|
|
|
Thats fab Karen, how exciting!! Hopefully that will be me in the future!! Good luck!!
|
|
|
just out of interest, how long did you all wait for you course paper work to come through from Ideal when you enrolled?
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 67 posts
|
I can't honestly remember how long it took for the first module to arrive but I'm sure it was pretty soon after I had signed up. You'll find everyone at Ideal Schools very helpful so you could always give them a quick ring and see when it will be sent out.
All the best
|
|
|
I also used Ideal Schools and chose the career path. The course work is good and there are plenty of assignments to give you some practice. The study order for the career path is flexible. I did Level 1, Level 2, Self Assessment, Payroll and only then went on to do Level 3.
That said, I also bought the Kaplan books and the ICB Self Assessment study guide to help with my revision for the exams, as it would have been pretty boring going through the same course notes twice! I can therefore recommend these books too.
Good luck with your studies!
|
|
- Member
- Practice Licence
- 26 posts
|
I studied with Ideal Schools following the "career path" option and would have no hesitation in recommending them to you. Very helpful people and the study notes and assessments tick all the right boxes. Good luck. Cheers, John
|
|
- Companion
- Accredited Training Provider IS
- 435 posts
|
Hi Amy,
I'm pleased to say that your first work package has been dispatched today and you'll receive this tomorrow. If you have any questions upon receipt please don't hesitate to pick up the phone.
To the rest who have contributed to this thread, thank you for your kind comments. It's great to see that you've all upgraded your Membership, with all but one having organised your practice licence. I hope your new careers are going well.
Kind regards
|
