Professional Services employer PwC and The Talent Foundry partner up to deliver Pathway to Flying Start programme

Independent education charity, The Talent Foundry (@talent_foundry) and leading Professional Services firm, PwC (@PwC_UK) have teamed up to deliver the Pathway to Flying Start programme to young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds in Year 12.  Schools are also encouraged to put forward female students and those from ethnic minorities as they remain underrepresented in the sector and PwC wants to help address this imbalance. The programme will run over four virtual sessions in the 2022 spring term and is aimed at high achieving students who are predicted to get AAB+ grades at A-Level.

The Pathway to Flying Start programme will support under-privileged young people in making a successful application to PwC’s Flying Start Technology Degree Apprenticeship or Accounting degree programmes. Participants will receive support on how to complete assessments and practice interview techniques, how to start networking, and building their own personal brand. Over the course of the events, students will benefit from engaging directly with current PwC staff and learn first-hand about the roles available at PwC, gaining an important insight into how their career could develop.

More information about the Flying Start Technology Degree Apprenticeship:

–      This is a four-year degree apprenticeship, during which apprentices get the best of both worlds with university and work experience.  Year one and two are full time at university, in year three students undertake a year in industry with PwC and then return to university for year four.

–      Between the summers for year one and year two, students join PwC for summer placements.

–      Students are paid a salary throughout the four years (even when they’re at university) and tuition fees are fully funded. More information about the Flying Start Accounting degree programme:

–    Over the course of a four-year degree, students undertake three paid placements during years two, three and four of the programme. Placements are sourced and organised by PwC with students identifying their preferred locations.

–    Students are paid a salary during their placements.

–    Eligible students are able to apply for a £10k bursary to support them throughout the four years.

– Students will complete 80% of their Chartered Accountancy ICAEW exams during the degree programme.

Cate Smith, Head of Programmes at The Talent Foundry said:

“Everyone at The Talent Foundry is delighted to be working with PwC to deliver the Pathway to Flying Start programme.  Their Flying Start Technology Degree Apprenticeships and Accounting degree programmes are huge opportunities, and the hope is that by running the pathway programme more disadvantaged young people will be able to access them.”

Cathy Baxter, Head of Talent Engagement at PwC UK said:

“PwC is pleased to be working with The Talent Foundry to deliver the Pathway to Flying Start programme in schools.  We’re keen to make sure that talented young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds know all about everything PwC has to offer.  We are especially keen to encourage more females into STEM careers and have recently been involved with the launch of a new charity called Tech She Can to push this agenda.  We hope the Pathway to Flying Start programme will help achieve this ambition.”