PwC’s Flying Start students ready for take-off

  • Press Release
  • September 19, 2025

PwC’s first intake of students on its Flying Start Programme in Jersey is ready to take flight – launching their career journey on the only on-island finance degree.

The group of 10 local school-leavers will commence their studies at University College Jersey (UCJ) on the Highlands College campus towards a BSc (Hons) in Business Accounting from the University of Plymouth. During their four-year course, they’ll also work at PwC – a globally-renowned professional services firm – on exciting, real-world projects in skilled and experienced teams. Earning while they learn, they will put their knowledge into practice directly on the fast track to becoming a degree-qualified, Chartered Accountant.

Commenting on the programme, 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!”

Commenting on the Flying Start students, PwC Director, Ian Ross, said:

“A big welcome to our first ever class of Flying Start students. I wish them the very best on starting their degrees and look forward to their joining PwC in January. We’re ready to support them in building highly rewarding careers, as they learn technical skills and become trusted professionals – innovating with boldness, optimism and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

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.

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.”

In addition to the Flying Start programme, PwC also offers a diverse range of early career pathways including traditional accounting, advisory and tax traineeships, as well as the newer Digital Degree Apprenticeship in association with the University of Exeter.

As one of Jersey’s largest employers, PwC continuously invests in the Islands’ future talent-force. At this year’s Jersey Skills Show in October, PwC will be lead sponsor once again, helping the 2,000 or so expected students, graduates and career switchers explore all the options available on island.

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Abigail McDermott

Abigail McDermott

Marketing and Communications Director, PwC Channel Islands

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