School Leavers

Professional qualifications while training on the job.

In response to COVID-19: Interviews are temporarily suspended.

We are still accepting applications but due to the current climate there may be a delay in our response.

School leaver image Our school leaver programme is your opportunity to gain professional qualifications and a salaried job without the expense of higher education. All our trainees will receive comprehensive training and client exposure right from the start, combining the best technical tuition, personal and professional development.

You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients across a range of sectors and industries, as well as getting involved in a variety of assignments.

To guarantee the highest levels of audit, tax and advisory services, we are looking for trainees with the attitude and commitment to meet the needs of our award winning firm. In return, you will share in the success of one of the UK’s leading audit, tax and advisory firms.

With supported exam training and a leading qualification, your school leaver programme is the perfect beginning to your successful career with us.

Potential pathways

FAQs by school leavers

What you can expect

Our school leaver programme lasts five years and allows you to combine work experience with study for a professional Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB).

CFAB is a nationally recognised professional qualification provided by the ICAEW. It consists of the same six modules as the first level of the ACA qualification and, once completed, gives you the opportunity to progress with your full Chartered Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualification and to become a chartered accountant. For more details visit the ICAEW website.

Some of our offices also offer the opportunity to study for the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification over a two year programme, with the possibility of AAT fast track training to ACA for the right person.

Throughout your career with Crowe, we give you our commitment that we will support and help you develop your role. We provide in-house training to complement your examination study. These courses continue throughout your professional career to build your technical and personal skills.

You will have consistent support and mentoring from the firm and your counselling partner. Our client group is hugely diverse, which means that you will be able to work on different types of assignments, helping you to decide where you want to take your career.

Entry requirements

If you have a genuine interest in accountancy and finance, an enquiring mind, enthusiasm to learn and strong communication skills, we’d like to meet you, but you do need the following qualifications:

BBC (or 112 UCAS points) from three A Levels (or equivalent)
GCSE grade B or above in Maths and English Language

Your application will not be based on academic performance alone; you will be required to demonstrate the personal qualities which underpin our core values, which include personal drive, integrity and leadership.

School leavers will join our higher apprenticeship programme for two years. Our programme is designed to help you develop your business skills while completing formal training and studying towards your CFAB qualifications.

What if I have not met the entry requirements?

It is unlikely that you will be progressed if you do not meet the entry requirements however if the rest of your application is strong, you may still be considered. If you have any extenuating circumstances that you are comfortable sharing with us, please let our recruitment team know and this will be looked at alongside your application.

What is the application process?

Submit online application
Online numerical test
Online inductive reasoning test
Assessment centre
Final interview

Please note, you will need to be successful at each stage before you can be progressed to the next.

How can I prepare for the interview?

The interview is competency-based and with a partner and manager, possibly lasting up to an hour.

Please ensure you:

Do your research
Have good examples from both your work and academic experience
Focus your answers by what the role entails
Have questions ready
Be yourself

Do I need to have studied a relevant subject at A-Level?

We accept applications from students from any discipline. Our only caveat is that we do not count general studies or critical thinking towards your UCAS points.

How can I prepare for the assessment day?

At the assessment day, there will be a presentation on the firm, you will undertake some written exercises and deliver a short presentation. During lunch there will be an opportunity to meet current trainees and other staff who will show you around the office and answer any questions you may have.

Please ensure you:

Dress for the job
Know your travel route to the office
Have practiced your presentation
Have questions ready
Relax and enjoy the day

Do you offer sponsorship visas for international students?

If you require sponsorship, this will only be possible if we do not have sufficient resident workers to fill our vacancies.

Joining our teams

As one of the UK’s leading, and multi award-winning audit, tax, advisory and risk firms, we have been supporting our people and our clients to make smart decisions for over 175 years. Joining a team of more than 900 talented people across our UK offices, you will benefit from an open and inclusive culture and a great opportunity to build your career with a firm who really looks after its people.

Your benefits

As well as offering a comprehensive basic benefit package, we have included a variety of add-on benefits for those eligible, to make your life better - inside the office and out.

your benefit graduates