An accountancy apprenticeship programme is to create 140 jobs in Ireland this year.

Applications are now open for the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) apprenticeship, based in colleges in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Monaghan, Waterford and Wicklow.

The ATI apprenticeship is a funded, two-year, work-based learning programme in which apprentices work, learn and earn.

Dublin-based ATI graduate Katie Mikulan, 23, initially pursued a degree before deciding to begin the apprenticeship in 2020. She said: "I began an accounting and finance degree after my Leaving Certificate, but university was not what I expected.

"College can be expensive, but a funded apprenticeship programme is a great alternative. I would recommend the apprenticeship if you are unsure about full-time third-level education.

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"It also offers exemptions for many of the top professional accounting bodies if you wish to go on to become a fully qualified accountant."

School leavers, Leaving Certificate students and mature learners can apply through ATI.