Flying Start Programme - FS1, Manchester CoE Review

On placement as an FS1 at PwC Center of Excellence in Manchester I worked on auditing the defined benefit pension scheme for a range of companies.

I developed IT skills, improved my audit knowledge and improved my ability to perform under pressure.

Placement is a big challenge at first and a very different environment to university but you get use to it and it helps ease you into the working world. I really enjoy the studying/uni part of the degree which is taught by excellent lecturers and is academically stimulating.

The degree is very well structured and the plan for each year is explained to you from the very start. Placement is organised by PwC where you become part of the team during busy season.

There is lots of support available at university with your lecturers, peer mentors, personal tutors etc. They are also there to support you whilst out on placement at PwC. Whilst on placement you have a full network of support including your career coach, buddy, flying start champs and other team members.

The degree is provided by newcastle university lecturers who offer excellent support teaching you what you need to pass your uni exams which are ACA accredited exams. Before you go on placement you receive a weeks training in newcastle from PwC, if you are working at the CoE you also receive another week of training in January to teach you specifically about Pensions. But you learn the most whilst on the job.

When you finish the flying start degree you have 12/15 accreditations for the ACA exams which is more than any other course can offer so it helps fast track you to becoming an ICAEW chartered accountant. When working at PwC you gain the time experience which goes towards being a chartered accountant.

At university there are many socials on your course to get involved with. There are also usually a couple of socials with your teams whilst on placement at PwC. The CoE does not have any sports teams as of yet to join but I'm sure there are sports teams you could join within PwC.

Yes

Working at PwC is a challenge but it is a large reputable company I am proud to work for. They have lots of resources available for you to utilise. They are always open to feedback and constantly improving the way they operate. The people there are friendly and happy to answer your questions.

For the PwC Flying Start Degree we had to do an additional application on top of your personal statement and partake in an assessment day to get a place. I would advise you take your time to fill out the application to the best of your ability and try to prepare for the assessment day as much as you can so that you can be confident on the day. Something I wish I'd have known before starting placement is that you need to have confidence to keep approaching people and asking questions if you get stuck, even to people you haven't spoke to before - everyone is always happy to help once you've asked but if you don't speak up they won't know you need help.