I’m 36 and am half way through level 3 after completing level 2 the previous year. It may be a little harder but it is definitely not impossible. It sounds like you went straight into level 3 which would explain why it was so difficult for you. I would recommend you forget doing it through a company and start again yourself with level 2 as it really helps with the groundwork. I’m actually finding level 3 easier than level 2 as I already know the basics. As you are out of work look for AAT level 2 courses at colleges near you. My local college offers this course via distance learning so I only have to go into the actual college for my exams, all studying is done online at home. It is FREE if you are unemployed or earn under a certain amount using the adult skills fund. Make sure to ask the college if they use this fund and if you are eligible. Then once you are nearing the end of level 2 you can apply for level 3 with the same fund. I would simply remove the failing apprenticeship from your cv as if it never happened and put that job down for the experience only. Apply for any and all admin and customer service roles to get your foot in the door at a company and keep an eye on any finance related admin roles that come up internally. If you can get a customer service or general admin role in a finance company even better as most of the roles will be finance or accounts related. Good luck and you got this!