Associate Review

I am a staff member on audits engagements. I am allocated work, and I also help other members on the team. As a new joiner more senior members of the team coach me on how to complete tasks, and they review the work too. My days include doing my own testing, having team catch ups, and communicating with the client to gain information for my work. Each day can vary a lot, and opportunities arise (I.e. stepping up to do a job you were not expecting you could do at your level) so there’s always something new to work on.

I have learnt an extraordinary amount given I have only been here for just over 6 months. The skills I’ve gained include communication, managing workloads/prioritisation, and I have learnt a lot about auditing. I have also gained skills on the best way to study when managing my Kaplan ACA exams

I am really enjoying this apprenticeship. It very much throws you into the deep end, but that is why you learn so much so quickly. There are many support networks for when you have questions or need help, and there any lots of new joiners in the same position as you, so you are never alone when you need help.

The programme is well structured. EY makes it clear about how you progress throughout the course, and what role you will have at each stage of the course. As for college, you are given a schedule showing the months when you’d have each exam, so you have an idea of when you would be working on clients and when you have college.

There are lots of support networks. As a new joiner, you are allocated a ‘buddy’, who very likely joined EY the same way you did, so did any little questions you have you can ask them. You have a counsellor, and a apprenticeship coach too. All these people provide guidance and support whenever you need it.

Kaplan has lots of way to support students. Teachers are available to ask your questions too, and there are loads of resources on their website for your course. The teachers are only available at certain times, and these times vary from day to day so make sure you get your queries to them within that time if you want a quick response.

I am studying toward the ACA qualification, which have loads of modules which all will play a part in your career. If you have not studied accounting before , the first exam you’ll have is the Accounting paper, which gives a strong foundation for when you work in your roll. You also learn a lot from the job which can apply to exams, so it goes both ways.

Yes. There are lots of networks. As a result of joined the firm during the COVID 19 pandemic I have not been able to see these clubs when they’re running, however the look like fun! You often receive emails with new activities/events so it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.

Yes

EY offers a fantastic apprenticeship which gives you an incredible head start to your career. The learning curve is steep, but it is very rewarding when you see how much you have learnt. This apprenticeship gives you both aspects of going to uni (with the large cohort you join the firm with and the social events), and also teaches you so much and really does prepares you for the working world. You will also gain a brilliant qualification which will help you throughout your career. Lastly, it’s a great opportunity to earn whilst you learn! I highly recommend this programme if you are willing to work hard and earn the many rewards EY offers.

This apprenticeship is a competitive one to get into. When applying for EY, I recommend taking the time to research the company and the service line you want to go into. Also, where possible do mock tests for the different stages of the application. It can be a challenging process, but persevere because it is worth it!