Audit Apprentice Review
at National Audit Office
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Audit
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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 am an audit apprentice. The audit cycle has multiple stages and I work on multiple audits a year, so the work varies throughout the year. During audit planning I could be on a call with the client to better understand the process of how their purchases system works. During interim or final audit I could be completing expenditure testing, items from the client's general ledger to invoices and goods received notes to check that they have accounted for the expenditure correctly.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The work is varied and you get a lot of work experience. You go to college for a few weeks every year in block release. There are a lot of varied opportunities within the organisation, you can apply for secondments or shift into doing a different type of work once you're qualified
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have a much greater understanding of accounting and audit. I have also developed my confidence and communication skills. I recently gave a presentation to over 100 schoolchildren about the scheme, which I would not have been able to do before starting the apprenticeship
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The starting weeks and months can be a bit inconsistent. Some people have great experiences, others end up with not much work to do. There have been times when college dates were moved close to when they were meant to occur. On the plus side, there are plenty of opportunities to give feedback about the induction and trainee experience and it feels as though the organisation is genuinely trying to improve.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The first exam, accounting, is often considered the most difficult certificate level exam and you receive plenty of support for it and I felt very well prepared going in. Sometimes you do have to shout up to receive support, but someone in the organisation will be willing to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
College is a bit hit or miss. Some tutors are truly excellent and take the time to stay after class to answer questions and help you understand the content, whilst others are less than stellar. BPP do have a 'contact a tutor' feature in their VLE but I have never used it. Some people at BPP have been incredibly helpful and others have given incorrect information which caused unnecessary confusion.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Accounting and assurance definitely help in performing better as an audit apprentice. Tax, law, business insight & performance, and sustainability & ethics do have some potential applications in the role, but don't always feel the most relevant.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
In the London office, I would rate this much higher. In the Newcastle office there is a summer barbecue and Christmas party every year and an inconsistent run club. There are opportunities to get funding to attend the Northern Chartered Accountants Student Society Ball, for example, but this had to be organised by trainees.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend National Audit Office to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Holding government to account and saving taxpayers money is very worthwhile and rewarding work. I really enjoyed joining as part of a cohort and have made some good friends. The organisation is constantly trying to improve itself and there are lots of opportunities for varied and interesting work if you look for them.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Audit Office?
They are currently updating the application process, so my advice might not be the most useful. The NAO are looking for good team workers who take responsibility for and ownership of their work. In the initial application and telephone interview try and answer honestly and think what the best course of action would be. In the assessment centre, it is possible that all candidates will be offered a job, so try and relax and make sure everyone is included in the group exercise if possible.
