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.