Associate/Trainee Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.2/10

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

I work as an Associate and I do testing over various areas of the business/client that we are auditing, for example debtors, creditors, cash and expenses.

8/10

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

I have developed my Excel skills over my placement and learnt new formulas and shortcuts. I have familiarised myself with the applications used by more seniors on the job and applied them to my everyday work. I have learnt new testing methods and approaches.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the flexibility of working at a one of the biggest accounting firms in the country and then going to finish my qualifications and sit the required exams. I feel like I benefit by applying into practice what I learn from school to real life.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is efficient as it has been running for 20 years now in my school. It is a highly valued course among the business courses and it is not easy to get in. The structure is known beforehand and it is demanding but very rewarding.

10/10

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

I can have support whenever I need it and there are many people I can ask for help. The employers have different committees I can join for different interests, beliefs etc. I feel like the support is adequate for the amount of people at work.

9/10

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

My university ensures that we receive the highest level possible in order to pass our ICAEW qualifications/exams. They provide us with study guides, materials and the teaching quality is truly satisfactory. The lecturers are helpful and we have seminars where we go through exam style questions.

10/10

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

The fact that I apply my accounting knowledge from school applies to my everyday role as an Associate makes me appreciate the qualification that I am studying and motivates me to learn more. This direct correlation is one of the best outcomes of the course I am in.

10/10

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.)

Yes, there are a few relating to sports and many to do with social/mental wellbeing. There are occasions where different ages of people mingle in the office due to a social event.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

PwC as an employer is worth recommending because of the balance between working and having something for everyone to do which does not involve work. It is a friendly environment and motivational.

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

Even if you don't have the highest level of accounting knowledge, you can learn by working and interacting with others. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes because that is the best way to learn!