
Bury College’s new adult course guide is now available! Whether you’re aiming to build skills, boost your confidence or become work-ready, the latest guide is packed with opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
If you do not already have an Apprenticeship Service account before you start you will need to set one up.
Before setting up your apprenticeship service account
You’ll need:
• a GOV.UK One Login account linked to an email address you use for work - you can create this at the same time as creating your apprenticeship service account
• the Government Gateway login for your organisation (or you can use the accounts office reference number and employer PAYE scheme reference number if your annual pay bill is less than £3 million)
• authority to add PAYE schemes to the account
• authority to accept the employer agreement on behalf of your organisation
You will be asked to
• create an account
• add a PAYE scheme on behalf of your organisation
• accept the employer agreement with the Department for Education (DfE)
Where to find your PAYE and accounts office reference numbers
Your PAYE and accounts office reference numbers can be found on the:
The accounts office reference number is 13 characters. The employer PAYE reference number is 11 characters.
How to get a PAYE scheme reference number
If you are a small employer who does not pay the apprenticeship levy, you will need your PAYE scheme reference number, also known as an employer reference number (ERN), and your account office reference number (AORN).
If your business has no employees, then you may not have a PAYE scheme reference number. You will need to register as an employer with HMRC to receive your PAYE scheme reference number.
Setting up your PAYE scheme reference number
If you have recently received a PAYE scheme reference number, you need to complete some steps before setting up your apprenticeship service account:
Registering on the apprenticeship service
Once you are ready to register, you can create an account to manage apprenticeships.
This helpful video below provides more useful information from the Department for Education
Bury College’s new adult course guide is now available! Whether you’re aiming to build skills, boost your confidence or become work-ready, the latest guide is packed with opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
An adult learner at Bury College University Centre recently celebrated a huge achievement, marking a significant step on their journey towards their dream career.
Read about the incredible achievements of our students on Results Day 2025. Hear their success stories, see their reactions, and find out what makes Bury College such a proud place to learn.
Two former Bury College students have won Greater Manchester Colleges Alumni Awards. T Level graduate Holly Clarke and Hair Professional Apprentice Lucy Hardman were recognised for their impressive achievements since leaving college, showcasing the skills and ambition nurtured during their time at Bury College.
Find out how former catering student Matt Hall has turned his passion for cooking into a restaurant in the heart of Ramsbottom.
Representatives from Bury College were among the many local professionals who gathered at the Bury Means Business networking event last week.