By Harry Rogers AAT news AAT on the road: launching the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians across the UK 22 Jul 2026 As part of the launch for the Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians (L4 PAT), we hosted a series of in-person roadshows across the UK. From Carlisle to Swansea, these sessions brought together training providers to explore what the new qualification looks like in practice and what it could become. Why we hit the road The move to L4 PAT marks an important shift. It’s designed to be more flexible, more reflective of real working environments, and more aligned to the skills employers need now and in the future. The roadshows created space to: Explore what delivery looks like in different settings bring the tutor toolkit to life connect the future skills conversation with what’s happening on the ground and, importantly, listen. Rather than a one-way update, these were practical, collaborative sessions. Providers shared ideas, challenges and approaches, and learned from each other along the way. Where did we go? We delivered seven sessions across the UK: Carlisle College, Carlisle Hart Professional College, Fleet Capital City College, London First Intuition, Manchester (pictured below) PETA, Portsmouth Accountancy Tuition Academy, Hull Gower College (Sketty Hall), Swansea Each location brought a slightly different perspective but common themes quickly emerged. 4 key takeaways from the roadshows 1. There’s no single “right” delivery model One of the strongest messages from these sessions was that flexibility matters. Providers are working with different cohorts, different employer needs and different regional contexts. What works in one classroom may not work in another. The L4 PAT is designed to support this variety. Whether delivery is classroom-based, blended or fully online, providers are already finding ways to make it work for their learners. 2. The skills conversation landed differently across the UK We shared insights from AAT research and wider sector reports on the finance and accounting skills gap. These included findings from: Filling the gap: Closing the UK finance and accounting skills gap Sector skills needs assessment: Professional and business services Skills gap: a moving target Money matters: Building a financially confident generation What was clear is that skills gaps are felt differently depending on where you are. In some regions, employability skills and confidence were front of mind. In others, technical gaps or progression routes were a bigger concern. 3. Providers want to shape what comes next Another consistent theme was the appetite to be involved. Providers weren’t just there to receive information, they wanted to contribute. Whether it was feedback on resources, ideas for delivery, or sharing best practice, the sessions showed a real commitment to collaboration. We saw tutors swapping contact details to share quiz banks for use in the classroom, tutors sharing the experiences of their learners and a real thirst for more opportunities to collaborate with each other. 4. Practical tools made a difference Bringing the tutor toolkit (pictured below) into the room helped turn theory into something useable. From walkthroughs of resources to discussions about how they could be used in practice, providers told us these materials are already starting to support their planning for September. As one attendee, Imama of Lewisham College, said: “I’m looking forward to utilising the tutor guide material shared today, especially the knowledge organiser, which students will find useful. The highlight of the day has been the opportunity to network with other providers.” What providers told us Feedback from across the roadshows highlighted that there is enthusiasm building for the new qualification and these events were helpful to understand more. Catherine of WM College said: “The London roadshow was very good. The hardcopy material shared on the day is really useful. I can’t wait for the new qualification, but I need the CPD for audit and would like to review the resources and content material.” Mahnaz, NCC, added: “I felt the day was really informative and I’m happy I attended.” For more information about the L4 PAT, click here. Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.