Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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 am a tax apprentice, my days are varied and can include client meetings, emails, tax computations or any variety of other tasks. I regularly carry out complex reviews of client financial statements with the support of my team and training provided by my employer. When in client meetings I am typically the designated note taker, but the longer I have been in my role the more speaking parts I have taken on during these meetings. I have also been delegated as initial client contact on some projects, requesting documents or scheduling meetings where necessary to facilitate the teams' work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my program I think that it has given me a rich experience and is preparing me well to take on many responsibilities. I am well supported by my team both in the work I am delegated and undertaking my exams. I am encouraged to take actions to support my work-life balance and prioritise my examinations by not feeling pressured to take on too much work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills regarding tax computations, how to use various softwares and other technical skills. I have also improved upon my soft skills such as my confidence and communication.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I think it is fairly well organised. My core team is very supportive and my employer has a well thought out structure. However, the facilitators of the programme, known as PQ (professional qualifications) is not very communicative. They do not properly support our development or inform us when our exams or training days are. It is difficult to get ahold of our designated contact and he is regularly unable to answer our questions or properly support us.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer and team. I am encouraged to put in hard-stops to prevent people from over-utilising my time and leaving me no time to revise. I am always able to and comfortable asking questions to support my development and understanding of the work I am asked to undertake.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Kaplan is quite supportive, my tutor is communicative and it is easy to reach out and ask her questions. The materials I am provided with are useful and comprehensive, and any practice exams/questions are challenging and support the learning we have undertaken. I feel well prepared when undertaking examinations.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The training I have undertaken so far isn't fully relevant to my role as I deal with corporate tax and so far have only been trained in ethics and personal income tax. However, I know there is training to come on corporate tax and the training so far has indirectly supported my learning with things such as writing client emails or understanding the risks of taking on new clients.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I am one of the individuals who organises our team socials and we have activity based and meal based socials through the year. There are also a plethora of networks available to join depending on interests individuals may have or support groups. There are also occasional firmwide activities such as a Christmas Panto to get involved in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel well supported at work and the working environment is enjoyable. I feel encouraged to stretch my abilities and work outside of my comfort zone to learn new things. I have greatly accelerated my learning whilst working here and developed both my hard and soft skills, as well as improving my technical knowledge.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
Research the company to ensure it aligns with your values, make sure you are prepared to work hard as you are balancing a full-time job whilst studying.
