Professional services firm PwC has welcomed its first intake of students on its Flying Start Programme.
The programme, which offers the only on-island finance degree, aims to support young islanders keen to begin a career in the industry.
The group of ten local school-leavers will begin their studies at University College Jersey (UCJ) on the Highlands College campus towards a BSc (Hons) in Business Accounting from the University of Plymouth.
The students will “earn while they learn” during their four-year course through employment at PwC.
The firm said they will gain exposure to “real-world projects in skilled and experienced teams”, with the opportunity to fast-track becoming a degree-qualified Chartered Accountant.
Highlands vice principal Kate Hobbs said: “University College Jersey is proud to see its Business Accounting degree support the delivery of PwC’s Flying Start Programme – an education-industry collaboration that offers our young people another career pathway, especially those for whom studying off-island just isn’t a viable option.
“As an added advantage, studying at UCJ, the Flying Start students will benefit from tailored learning experiences, with a strong focus on student success – our graduates consistently outperform UK averages.
“All the best to the students – what a brilliant way to launch your career in finance.”
PwC director Ian Ross welcomed the Flying Start students and said the firm was “ready to support them in building “highly rewarding careers”.
“They will learn technical skills and become trusted professionals – innovating with boldness, optimism and a collaborative approach to problem-solving,” he said.
“Having been a Flying Start student myself at PwC UK, I’m so pleased to see the same benefits that I’ve experienced now being available to Jersey’s young people – a unique opportunity to study locally, while earning a salary and gaining relevant industry experience.”
Mr Ross continued: “As a firm, we believe that we deliver the greatest client and staff experience when we draw together people from different backgrounds with diverse perspectives – maximising on the uniqueness of our work culture.
“With programmes like Flying Start, we take pride in helping remove the financial constraints related to studying for a degree off-island.
“We want to ensure that those with the capability and drive to strive higher are supported to reach their peak potential.”