Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1, Castle Donnington Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I completed a variety of tasks on my placement. From picking samples from large listings to interacting with the client and reviewing evidence that they submitted. Documenting this evidence as well as how it was to be represented . I also re-performed controls to ensure they were correctly carried out.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Somewhat, my excel and google sheets skills have greatly improved throughout the placement, as well my understanding of the audit world. My interpersonal skills have also increased by having to communicate with clients and explain findings to those who I am working for. I feel as though I gained a lot more knowledge than any specific skill though.

5/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme. I found my day to day tasks very interesting as well as learning more about the industry from those around me whilst doing it. Furthermore, I got to interact on a personal level with a wide variety of people and learn from all of them

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme was well organised in setting me up with the relevant knowledge and skills to help me work through it, with a wide variety of sources for support in case I needed them. I just would've preferred if there was more work available, as at time there wasn't a lot for me to do

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

The programme set me up with an abundance of team members that I could discuss both business and work matters with. The best thing about it was that these people were from varying levels of the firm, meaning that if I had a any sort of query, it'd be able to be answered

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I feel as though enough support has been given to me in order for me to achieve my best with regards to the training for the qualifications. Given the circumstances in COVID, I wouldn't say that they could've done much more, but having not sat a proper exam yet, it may turn out otherwise

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Whilst it has helped, I feel as though I learned a lot more of the skills and knowledge that I needed for the job whilst on the job, instead of in a classroom or a zoom call. This may change though when I am given higher complex tasks to complete

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There was a good amount of socialising I felt. There was one social that went ahead, whilst the other was cancelled due to COVID. Weekly office quizzes and special events organised by the social team at the end of every week gave many the opportunity to meet more people in the office

8/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I feel as though PwC is an enjoyable place to work at due to the nature of the work and the people. The company is respectful and offers plenty support for both your personal and business goals. It is also flexible with hours and pay, which is an added bonus

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

I would say to do a bit of research about the audit industry because it is definitely not for everyone. The course sets you up perfectly for it, but is not very facilitating towards other career paths, so just make sure that you know what you want if you're applying for it