Audit Apprentice Review
at National Audit Office
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Accounting, Audit
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
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
We are responsible for the auditing of central government departments, government agencies and non-departmental government bodies. As an audit apprentice, it is my role to aid the audit team which I am apart of, through carrying out testing and reviews of the clients accounts (along with various other tasks). It is also in my role to speak to the clients and build a working relationship.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy what i do at the NAO. It can be quite daunting coming into the organisation, especially with the limited knowledge that you have, however there isn't an expectation from anyone to have an extensive background knowledge in either the accounting or graduate route. From my experience as an apprentice, the NAO does a great job at settling you into the role, providing a lot of support in your first few weeks with what to expect working at the NAO along with the type of work you can expect to be doing other the course of the apprenticeship. There is also plenty of support on offer from work colleagues and HR when it comes to issues (both work-related and college-related).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed a variety of new skills during my time at the NAO, particularly in the realms of assurance which is taught at college and actively used during client engagements. My accounting skills have also improved since being taught at the beginning of my apprenticeship, being able to read and understand the accounts of clients. In terms of personal skills, my confidence is communication has also massively grown, as you are gradually introduced into new work environments both within the NAO and with clients, you gain valuable experience in how to deal with those types of situations.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very well structured, the programme is very accommodating to college and work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is lots of support on offer from the employer, both from colleagues, HR and L&D. It is actively encouraged by the NAO to speak out for support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Plenty, the NAO offer study leave to help with balancing work and meeting qualifications.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
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
Plenty of social events to be involved in at both offices.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend National Audit Office to a friend?
Yes
Why?
An overall positive working environment with lots of support on offer, and an opportunity to gain a highly credible ICAEW qualification.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to National Audit Office?
Have some knowledge of what the NAO does and their values, for the assessment centre.
