Trainee Associate Review

Originally in my role I prepared tax returns for around 6 months, then once I had enough understanding of tax, I then moved on to advisory work. This involves holding meetings with my clients to talk them through tax implications for them and answering all queries they have by phone or email.

I had no understanding of taxation when I first joined the firm, and now am able to talk to individuals daily advising them of their tax needs. I also have completed the first year of my ATT qualification, and have began learning the final year for my exams. Finally, I have also now completed my diploma in taxation in the professional world and feel fully equipped for my role.

I really enjoy my role within the firm, I am able to talk to individuals daily and work as part of a smaller team, where we are all able to contribute and our opinions are valued. Every day is different as each individual will have different queries, some which challenge me, which again is something I had looked for in my working life. My whole team are very friendly and I have no trouble asking for help if I need it.

I always feel very valued by the firm, there is nothing that I have ever been excluded from, despite the fact I am still a junior member of the firm. We are constantly encouraged to request frequent feedback from anyone we work with, including very senior members and they are always happy to provide it. The feedback is then used each year for moderation, which is a review of your yearly progress and allows you to see exactly how you are viewed within the firm, which I really appreciated.

The programme has been running for a long time, which really shows in the organisation. We are consistently provided updates in relation to the apprenticeship, whether it is advising us what is next for us to complete and when we need to be at college. We are all given timetables each year for all the classes and exams we are taking and we also have people managers the entire time we are at the firm, who are able to answer any questions we have in relation to the exams or diploma.

I have had very helpful tutors throughout my apprenticeship, who have always provided their emails and advised we can email them at any point with whatever questions we have. They also give us mock exams very frequently throughout the course and will provide feedback on how we performed for each exams. Most tutors also consider exam technique very carefully and will always provide helpful tips to help us pass the exams.

From the start of my time at PwC, there were a welcoming team when you begin to introduce you to the firm and working life, and also to the other students on the apprenticeship. We were then introduced to the higher apprentice champions who also provide updates in relation to the apprenticeship, and their best tips for the course. Every person at PwC also has a people manager who support us both with everyday working life and the apprenticeship and they are the first person I turn to with any problems.

I believe my salary to be quite high compared to many other apprenticeships and this easily meets my costs of living, even though my train costs are very expensive. There are moderations which are held each year to look back at your performance throughout the year, and this is also when salaries are reviewed. In my second year my salary jumped up more than I originally anticipated.

There are many clubs within PwC and they are happy to have new joiners on the team. We also have a set amount of days that we are allowed to take from work for volunteering purposes and PwC also holds a firm wide volunteering day each year to give back to the local community. I have taken up many opportunities such as joining the Higher Apprenticeship Welcome Team in my second year at PwC to help the new joiners the next year. I also joined the "PwC Classroom" which is a programme designed to assist individuals brought up in disadvantaged backgrounds. Finally I have spoken multiple times at schools to show more sixth form students about apprenticeships.

Yes

PwC is a very friendly, well respected firm. The staff are respected and their opinions are always valued. I have really enjoyed my time on the apprenticeship, which gives enough time and training to become fully qualified which then leads to a very stable job. I have always had a lot of support at the firm and they have integrated very well into the team and my role and responsibilities.

There is initially an assessment day which includes a group assessment, psychometric testing and a role related individual task. I think my biggest tip for all of this is timing, staying on time with your tasks is essential to performing well. There may be some questions which are difficult but don't waste time spending too long on each question, keep an eye on the clock! Another tip for the group assessment would be to try to bring members of your team into conversations who are shy and quieter, it shows you are able to listen to others. Finally for the final interview, I would suggest writing a list before the interview of all the experiences you have had previously, such as sport clubs, school events and work experience and look at the firm's values on their website. See you if you can match up your experiences to these values, to show the interviewer you can demonstrate how you are fit for the firm.