Partner Article

PwC offer school leavers an alternative to university

Students in the UK are beginning to look for viable alternatives to university according to PwC, who have already received 1,600 applications for 100 places on its school leavers accountancy programme.

The North East office has received 23 applications for positions, which provides students with the opportunity to benefit from on the job training while earning a decent salary, without the worry of mounting student debts.

Since 2008 the firm has witnessed a fourfold increase in the scheme, and is anticipating more applications in the coming years when tuitions fees increase. In the past 10 years, PwC has trained and employed almost 700 people nationwide.

Mark Menton, director at PwC North East said: “Students are being forced to look at different options for their future and university may not be the right solution, and anyone who has a genuine interest in pursuing a career in business has options.

“The main advantage is that you start working and studying towards your professional qualification straight after leaving college, meaning you can be ACCA qualified within four years of leaving college, you will gain valuable work experience straight away and start earning a salary which increases year on year.”

PwC also offer the students the opportunity to take part in the Flying Start scheme, an accountancy focused degree at Newcastle University and the professional accountancy body ICAEW.

Paul Woolston, senior partner at PwC in the North East added: “We want to lead the way in opening the door to jobs in business to as many people.

“It is important to create opportunities for young people whatever the level, developing talent and investing in people who could be tomorrow’s leaders.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .