Partner Article

PwC launch apprenticeship consultation

The creation of the first Higher Apprenticeship for Professional Services is one step closer to being realised, thanks to the launch of a nationwide consultation by PwC.

Employers from the accountancy, tax and consulting sectors have met to discuss the need for a programme in this area, as well as plans to deliver 1,500 Higher Apprenticeships within the professional services sector over the next 3 years.

Sara Caplan, partner, PwC said: “Higher Apprenticeships are an important opportunity for employers to be actively involved in building the pipeline of people joining our industry stronger and more diverse.

“ Ultimately it will make an important contribution to building the business skills of our wider economy.“

The new proposals will create direct routes into taxation,, accountancy and management and will be developped in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Association of Taxation Technicians and the Management Consultancies Association. It will be formed in close alignment with the requirements of the existing ATT and ICAEW professional qualifications.

The new programme will provide Apprentices with a wide range of technical knowledge and broader business skills. as well as structured progression pathways to batchelor’s degrees and to Chartered status in accountancy and taxation.

According to Gaenor Bagley, head of people at PwC believes that there is a real appetite amongst students and employers for examining new routes into the profession which won’t compromise their career prospects and development.

She added: “It is a hugely competitive recruitment market for business employers, despite the recession. Our experience in graduate and student recruitment tells us there is a huge prize to be gained for the industry from going beyond the tried and tested routes.

“We can attract new people, new views, and new experiences. Over time it could transform the diversity of the people we’re attracting.”

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