I have no issues with the ICAEW programme, and in my personal opinion they are a more prestigious programme compared to ACCA.

But I have a huge HUGE HUUUUGEEEE problem with the CFAB - > ICAEW interns, based on the few interns that I've come across in my life in PwC.

1. Most have HORRIBLE Microsoft excel skills.
2. Most have no idea what the hell is going on. (don't even have a decent idea how an invoice looks like ><)
3. Most don't really have any 'heart' to really learn, or to build up their knowledge of the working world.
4. Most are super young (18/19 years old) and frankly, at that age, you're just an immature kid, despite what you may think of yourself.

Whereas compared to my other interns who are.. 22/23 y/o from USM/UM/UUM or TAR etc.. those are much better adjusted and show better knack of what's going on.

SO yeah.

ICAEW is usually together with a 4-years contract with the Big 4 as their permenant staff ....so I don't think it's an internship anymore

Since graduates are the permenant staff there, they would be treated like the rest of the staff...they'll get promoted like everybody else. Usually after 4 years or so, they would be SA1 or SA2 depending on their performance.
Learning IT systems through external courses are gonna cost you a BOOM....seriously, they don't come cheap! So  just pray that you don't get client who has sophisticated systems.

For excel wise, basic ones should be sufficient...like normal formulas. The seniors usually would ask you to do stuff like vouching, PHOTOSTATING -.- , copy pasting, which requires you ZERO excel knowledge...well it depends on who your seniors are =)