September 2025
Associate Induction
Welcome
Many congratulations!
Your decision to become part of our team marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to welcoming you to S&W.
We believe that people are at the heart of every successful organisation, so our mission is to empower you with the tools and information you need to thrive in a supportive workplace.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities ahead, engage with your colleagues, and bring your best self to work every day.
Our shared vision and dedication will drive us towards achieving remarkable milestones; continuing to help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths and shaping solutions that really make a difference.
We look forward to achieving great things together!
Warm regards,
Caroline Walmsley Chief People Officer
At S&W, we are committed to continuous growth and excellence through our biggest assets – our people.
We want to support you to be the best you can be here at S&W, empowering you with the knowledge, skills and experience you need to excel in your roles and drive our organisation forward.
You will be supported by us, your Early Careers Leaning & Development team, and many other colleagues across your Associate Programme.
How we support:
Professional Qualifications – we believe in supporting our colleagues in their career development and aspirations by partnering with experts to deliver high quality training to all of our associates.
Personal Development – we believe you should be in the driving seat when it comes to improving your personal development and progressing your career. As a team we will ensure that you have the tools and techniques to make this possible.
This brochure is intended to provide you with key information on what to expect ahead of your start date and highlight key actions expected of you before you join us on your Associate Programme.
We hope you take this opportunity to read through this document and we look forward to meeting you all soon.
Best wishes,
How Our Associate Programmes work.
Our Associate Programmes are more than a training scheme with professional qualifications. They provide the chance to work on a variety of work and projects for leading clients. Equipping you with the skillset, tools and mindset you need to become a trusted business advisor here at S&W.
Your personal and professional development is important to us at S&W. We partner with the business and leading training providers to create central learning programmes to provide support which will facilitate your professional qualification journey.
Your development journey will be made up of:
Experiential learning
Direct on-the-job experience.
Social learning
Collaboration with other people, networks and the feedback you receive.
Professional Qualifications:
Formal learning
Professional qualifications, workshops and courses.
At S&W we have pre-determined Professional Qualifications that are aligned to each of our business lines. These qualifications are highly-regarded within the industry, which have been chosen to set you up with essential skills in your chosen profession.
These qualifications are deemed essential to your role and ongoing progression with S&W; therefore, successfully passing these exams will form a cornerstone of the expectations we have from you as an Associate on one of our programmes.
We provide a fully comprehensive training pathway across the duration of your programme, ensuring you approach your studies and exams in a structured manner, progressively building your knowledge and expertise.
All qualifications are delivered in partnership with leading providers, who are entirely focused on delivering high quality accountancy and tax programmes, supported by expert tutors and an extensive suite of learning materials to support you in achieving success.
Breakdown of Business Lines and Professional Qualifications
Completed across 3 years (Graduates) or 4 years (School Leavers)
Audit & Assurance (A&A)
Business Outsourcing Services (BOS) (Graduates)
Business Outsourcing Services (BOS) (School Leavers)
Tax
Business Tax (BTAX)
Private Client Tax (PCTS)
PCTS- US Tax
Advisory
Advisory Consulting
Corporate Finance
Data and Technology Services
Forensics
Risk Advisory
Restructuring & Recovery Services (RRS)
Valuations
To get a head start on what to expect, you can use the links below to find out more: 1. ACA - https://www.icaew.com/ 2. ATT/CTA - https://www.tax.org.uk/
Apprenticeships:
Our Associate Programmes are delivered via an apprenticeship model. Apprenticeship programmes offer:
A robust structure, supporting the development of practical skills within a structured training environment.
The opportunity to develop job specific skills in your chosen specialism, while gaining an industryrecognised qualification. This means you apply your knowledge and skills within the workplace –putting learning into practice.
Support by an apprenticeship skills coach on a regular basis to discuss progress, offering further support and guidance to make sure you stay on track and achieve the very best outcomes.
Professional Skills Programme:
You can expect to take part in a series of professional skills sessions across the duration of your programme. Some of the areas these sessions will cover are:
• Business and Commercial Awareness
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Prioritisation and Organisation
• Leadership and Management
• Wellbeing and Resilience
And there will be plenty more on top!
These align to our competency framework; a tool designed to support you with your development and career progression at S&W. S&W Core Competencies:
• Growing the Business
• Client Service
• Financial Management
• Managing Self and Others
• Developing Self and Others
More detailed information on all of the above will be shared with you as part of your induction on Week 1!
What happens next?
Now that you have the overview, here is some key information and important actions you need to complete before you join us.
Your Induction:
Your induction will take place from the 8th – 12th September 2025. We have an exciting agenda planned, so what can you expect?
1 2 3 4 5 6
Bring our culture to life, so you can discover more about our culture and values and what these mean to you.
Hear from key stakeholders in the business to learn about their own career journey and welcome you to S&W.
Be given important information to support you in your new role and help you navigate the first few months.
Begin developing key skills needed in the workplace, to activate your success from Day 1.
Start preparing for your studies and Professional Qualifications; and most importantly
An opportunity to connect, network and have fun with your new cohort.
Your induction will be a combination of in-person and virtual delivery, with Day 1 (8th September) taking place in London and the remaining 4 days based in your local office – giving you plenty of opportunities to meet your full cohort and get to know your local team. Further information on the induction, location and logistics will be shared with you approx. 4 -6 weeks before your start date.
Depending on the qualification you’ll be undertaking, your tuition will start at varying points across your first 3 months. We’ll run a deep dive Professional Qualification 101 session for each qualification as part of the induction, which will provide all the details relating to your qualification, studies and exams. For now, the calendar below provides an indication of the first steps on your qualification journey.
Months 1-2 Training Breakdown.
WHAT Induction
ACA Tuition or Self Study
ACA Tuition or Self Study
AAT Tuition
ATT - Computer Based Exams WHO ACA Graduates Only
ACA School Leavers & Graduates
AAT all learners
ATT all learners
Monday
w/c 8 Sept Induction
w/c 15 Sept w/c 22 Sept w/c 29 Sept w/c 6 Oct w/c 13 Oct w/c 20 Oct w/c 27 Oct w/c 3 Nov
Onboarding Toolkit.
Before you join us for your induction, there are a number of actions that you will be required to complete to successfully set you up on your apprenticeship, and for your Professional Qualification.
Your simple 5 step checklist is below, please take note of the deadlines and read the separate Onboarding Toolkit for more detailed instructions on what to do.
Further key information will continue to be shared with you over the coming weeks.
Step 1
What:
Apprenticeship Enrollment
Detail:
You are required to register under an apprenticeship with our training provider, First Intuition. It is vital you follow the instructions sent via email, to ensure you can commence your programme on the planned date.
Deadline:
You can expect to receive communications from First Intuition from the beginning of June to the end of August outlining key actions. Look out for email communications from First Intuition regarding your apprenticeship sign up. Varied: Jun-Aug
Step 2
What:
Register With Professional Institute
Detail:
All students commencing employment with S&W will be required to register with their Professional Institute before joining us. By beginning a Professional Qualification, all students, members, affiliates and firms are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct and abide by the regulations and codes set out by their corresponding Professional Institute as well as demonstrating the company values and behaviors of S&W.
Deadline:
Varied: Aug-Sept. Read the toolkit for specific deadlines
Step 3
What:
Exam Exemptions (where applicable)
Detail:
If you have a relevant degree or relevant professional qualification you may be eligible to apply for credit for prior learning which may reduce the number of exams you are required to sit. Ensure you are only applying for permitted exemptions.
Deadline:
Varied: June & July, See toolkit for specific deadlines
Step 4
What:
Pre-Reading Material – Fundamentals In Accounting & Assurance Course
Detail:
The Fundamentals in Accounting and Assurance (FIAA) course is an introductory course, designed to help prepare you for your studies as well as your career in the accountancy and finance profession. This is not mandatory, but those who complete it will gain a head start before joining!
Deadline: 7th September
Step 5
What: Reasonable Adjustments For Exams
Detail:
S&W understand that associates may require additional support during your studies. If you feel your exam performance may be hindered due to a health condition, disability, or specific learning difficulty, your Professional Institute may be able to put reasonable adjustments/access arrangements in place to support you during your exams. This is a personal decision, and only you will know whether this is right for you. If you need any further support or want to discuss anything in a confidential manner, please inform the Early Careers Learning & Development Team.
Deadline:
Varied: See toolkit for more information
Be Induction Ready!
Key Contacts:
Whether you have questions about your training programme, induction, or simply want to connect, these individuals are here to help. Feel free to reach out to them for guidance and support as you navigate your new role.
Associate Buddy – your go to contact to connect with the business and provide informal support / answer your questions. Don’t know who they are? Reach out to the Early Careers Talent Acquisition Team below!
Early Careers Talent Acquisition Team – to answer any questions relating to your offer or role pre-joining
Early Careers Learning & Development Team – to answer any questions relating to your training plan or studies
As well as the above contacts, we also have a LinkedIn joiners’ group. It’s a dedicated space to connect with fellow associates before joining and to stay updated with important news and announcements.
If you have not already joined, please use the link below to stay updated.
Professional Behaviour:
We expect all colleagues to behave in an appropriate and responsible manner and maintain the highest standards of professional behaviour that reflect S&W’s culture and values.
This applies to all work-related events, including office visits and socials, which may take place before you join or when you start with us on Day 1.
Above all, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive working environment for all colleagues.
Holidays:
We ask that you do not book holiday during the induction week and busy training/exam periods. These periods are viewed as mandatory training blocks and attendance is compulsory.
Your annual leave request may not be approved if there is a clash with your mandatory training and exams. You must receive approval from your line manager for all annual leave requests.
Training calendars will be shared with you on week 1, to support you with making appropriate requests for holiday around key training/exam dates.
Dress Code:
Here at S&W, we have a ‘Dress For Your Day’ policy, providing colleagues with the choice of smart business clothing or smart casual dress, depending upon their schedule. This link gives a great insight into what smart business/smart casual actually means.
If in doubt? Always dress smarter, particularly in your first few weeks. If you have any questions, why not reach out to your buddy.
IT Equipment:
You will receive an S&W work laptop and IT equipment at your local office during the induction week.
We look forward to meeting you all in September!
