Audit Apprentice Review
at National Audit Office
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I audit government accounts, conducting various tests such as sample, substantive, and non-substantive testing. These tests involve examining invoices and payslips, and reconciling figures with both internal and external data. My role also requires regular communication with clients to discuss and resolve any issues that arise.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Overall, I enjoy my apprenticeship. While some tasks can be slow and tedious at times, the interactions and more complex work are often engaging and interesting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have thoroughly developed my Excel skills, including advanced formulas and functions. Additionally, my communication skills have significantly improved due to regular interactions with clients and team members. My time management abilities have also enhanced, as I frequently juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I have found the structure of the apprenticeship to be very good. They provided in-depth training and are always available for support when you need it. Additionally, they are always taking feedback and looking to improve the programme creating a better experience for future apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Overall the support is very good. You are allocated a performance coach and a buddy at the start of the apprenticeship. These people can help you with the more admin tasks and some work-related ones also. Managers and leads are always looking to support the trainees even during busy times of the year.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
You are given study leave days before every exam, and you are not expected to do any work or even check emails/messages during time of college allowing you to fully focus on the learning. For the additional apprentice tasks like the reflective statements, you are not always given the necessary time, however, the learning and development team are aware of this and are working on it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The qualification is helpful in familiarising yourself with some of the terminology of audit, however, it doesn't actually translate over to you daily tasks in audit.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Since COVID there has been less social activities, however, there are still several sports and societies to get involved with.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend National Audit Office to a friend?
Yes
Why?
If you are looking into audit I would recommend the NAO because they respect a good work-life balance, trainees are given lots of support and during college hours there is no expectation of still completing work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Audit Office?
Ask loads of questions, and seek support if you need it. Also, complete your reflective statements and other additional apprentice tasks asap. A lot of people leave them to last second and it ends up being very stressful.
