The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) aim to change the face of accountancy with the launch of their third consecutive virtual work experience programme in collaboration with Cappfinity

Written by PR Newswire

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ICAEW has launched their latest virtual work experience programme in partnership with HR tech firm, Cappfinity.

Cappfinity

The professional membership body, which represents the interests of 195,000 members and students around the world and has 13 offices worldwide, launched its 2023 campaign following the success of its innovative work experience programme in 2021 and 2022.

The week-long programme, which is open to 16 to 17-year-old students at school or college in the UK, is an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating careers of chartered accountants, bust myths regarding the profession and develop young peoples' professional skills.

The programme removes barriers and misconceptions around careers in accountancy, whilst providing students with the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their individual strengths and skills.

ICAEW particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented groups to showcase the various pathways into the career, attract talent and build greater diversity in the profession.

Applicants undergo a two-stage assessment process designed by Cappfinity. Firstly, applicants complete a situational strengths assessment using Cappfinity's Capptivate which is designed to highlight interests and abilities that would facilitate success in role. Candidates also complete a pre-recorded video interview using Cappfinity's Snapshot, a mobile-ready interview platform.

Every applicant receives a personalised feedback report, something we believe every candidate deserves, to understand more about themselves and discover where their personal skills and strengths lie.

The work experience itself comprises of project-based learning modules, including an intro to ICAEW and the ACA qualification, self-insight activities (learning about individual strengths), break-out activities and plenary sessions, culminating in a final group presentation assessed by employer partners and professionals with an interest in levelling up.

Jack Henman, Marketing Manager at ICAEW explained: "We're delighted to have launched this year's virtual work experience programme in conjunction with so many fantastic employers and in partnership with Cappfinity.

"We know there are a lot of misconceptions about accountancy, when in reality no two days are the same, it is a truly fascinating and fulfilling career and we are determined to breakdown any and all barriers to entry.

"Cappfinity's innovative assessment process, using the Capptivate platform not only provides us with information about a student's potential, but it also provides the student with an insight into what a career in accountancy might look like, by using realistic tasks and imagery."

Abi Parker, Account Director at Cappfinity who was part of the final judging panel last year, said: "ICAEW's commitment to widening participation is exemplary. The quality of the presentations I observed as a judge on their final day was very impressive and it was great to see how the students' confidence had grown over such a short period of time.

"The decision to engage with multiple partners to contribute to the work experience programme is a truly market-leading approach, opening up new talent pools earlier to drive interest in the future."

Last year's programme saw high numbers of female students, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and ethnic minority groups apply. It is hoped that this year's scheme will continue to attract these groups and expand on previous success.

The programme is open to students across the UK and is delivered via a digital format, so there is no need to travel.

If you are a Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (NI), S5 (Scotland) student, or equivalent, you can apply to the work experience programme via the ICAEW Work Experience webpage here: https://careers.icaew.com/work-experience ^[1].

About Cappfinity

Cappfinity is the global leader in skills-based hiring and talent mobility solutions. Since 2005, Cappfinity has helped organizations place candidates and employees in positions where they can use their skills and strengths to deliver value and meet business objectives. This is achieved with online assessments, virtual job simulations, robust candidate reports, fast and fair talent matching, hiring, upskilling, leadership development, and succession planning solutions and services.

Cappfinity - Hiring and Talent Mobility Powered by Skills

For more information, visit www.cappfinity.com ^[2]

About ICAEW

Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 195,300 members and students around the world.

Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor around 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.

We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet's resources are managed sustainably.

ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.

ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.

We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.