Employment Hero partners with Academy Training to boost apprentice payroll skills

Employment Hero has partnered with Academy Training to help apprentices learn payroll skills using real payroll software. 

Academy Training’s students will use Employment Hero’s platform as part of their training, giving them practical experience with payroll systems and terms.

Following apprenticeship reforms introduced by the UK government in August, there has been a 2.2% year-on-year rise in accounting and HR roles, showing early signs of recovery in these sectors. 

The partnership aims to help prepare more young people for these jobs.

Academy Training uses a mix of online content, virtual workshops, classroom sessions, one-to-one coaching and tailored learning. 

This approach gives students both qualifications and the hands-on payroll experience employers expect.

Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “As a former apprentice myself, I have experienced first-hand how apprenticeships can provide young people with a crucial leg up on the careers ladder. 

“Partnering with Academy Training shows Employment Hero’s commitment to the next generation of the workforce, and also highlights the market-leading capabilities of our software. 

“Growth in HR and accounting roles is encouraging, but competition for new jobs is still fierce.”

Fitzgerald added: “Now more than ever, young people need the chance to upskill and get real, hands-on experience straight out of school. 

“Apprenticeships aren’t just training – they’re an investment in the future and a way to tackle long-term skills shortages before they become a bigger problem.”

Anthony Bromirski, executive director at Academy Training, said: “This partnership with Employment Hero represents an important step forward in aligning apprenticeship training with the needs of modern businesses. 

“Through our funded Payroll Level 3 and Level 5 programmes, we provide learners with industry recognised qualifications while Employment Hero’s platform offers the practical, software-based experience employers expect. 

“With demand for payroll and HR professionals showing signs of recovery, it is vital that we continue to invest in developing a skilled and resilient talent pipeline for the future.”