A2 Accounting students enjoyed a visit from PwC staff as part of the PwC “Back to Schools” programme.

PwC is a major global firm and is widely known as part of the 'Big Four' Accounting firms who have dominated the market since the 20th century. According to the company website, PwC employs over 250,000 people and is turning over a revenue of over $40 billion (www.pwc.com). A little closer to home, the company employs "over 21,000 people and 926 partners across 64 offices in the UK, Channel Islands, and Middle East" (www.pwc.co.uk). Their reach and experience is unrivaled.

As a company they offer a range of jobs, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities to thousands of young people every year. Their visit to Ashton Sixth Form College allowed them to discuss the range of roles within the accounting sector and also explore some of these opportunities at PwC. The programme is designed to give students an insight into working at PwC and the different routes into the company. PwC are passionate about working with young people. They have a strong belief that anyone joining them can progress to the highest levels in the company, if they are determined and focused.

The in-class presentation and Q&A session was delivered by Jordan Sproule and Matt Gannon. Jordan works in the Manchester Office of PwC as an Associate having joined the firm as an architecture graduate. He is now studying towards his AAT exams. Matt joined the firm as an 18 year old after he completed his A-Levels and is now working as a Trainee Associate in PwC’s Leeds office.

Accounting teacher Pete thanked Jordan and Matt for the engaging way they brought their company to life for the students. The business departments regularly invites guest speakers and employers to the classroom, providing further experience and opportunities for their students. A large number of students from Ashton progress on to apprenticeships with top accounting firms such as PwC, Deloitte and Ernst and Young. 

Find out more about Ashton's business courses here.