S.T.E.P. - Sustainable Talent Exchange Programme

What is STEP?

The Sustainable Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) is a six-month secondment programme offered to public and private sector employees across the GCC. Through the programme, mid-level employees with at least three years work experience will be seconded to our consulting projects. STEP therefore presents a unique opportunity to access world-class knowledge and expertise in a dynamic and focused environment.

Why launch STEP?

Our new strategy, The New Equation, is based around our belief that almost every issue organisations face can be framed around two simple and intertwined requirements - the need to build trust and the need to deliver sustainable outcomes. As part of our new strategy, we have made a long-term commitment to developing national talent and knowledge across the GCC. As a first step, we launched the Public Exchange Programme (PEP) in September 2020 in partnership with the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG).

For the pioneering PEP scheme, 12 outstanding Emirati employees were drawn from a variety of government organisations in Abu Dhabi and seconded to PwC. After completing four weeks’ initial training at PwC’s Academy, the employees joined our consulting projects to work on a variety of projects to gain practical experience and put their new skills to the test. The Sustainable Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) was born out of the success of PEP.

Benefits for participants
Benefits for employers

Those selected to join the STEP programme receive valuable training from experts at PwC’s Academy, plus develop their digital skills by joining our Data Booster programme, aimed at developing data analytics capabilities, tool applications, with a purpose of increasing effectiveness while working with data and unlocking extra value for clients.

During their training and secondments on PwC projects, participants benefit from unique networking opportunities and develop important cognitive and behavioural skills. They also gain practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:

Research & analytics

Conducting benchmarking exercises
Undertake data analysis using digital analytics tools

Strategic planning

Conduct strategic planning exercises
Develop strategic foresight and identify solutions for business challenges

Emerging technologies

Develop a clear understanding of emerging technologies in business
Gain experience of technologies specific to government sectors
Complete a full-day immersion with PwC’s EmTech Team

Design thinking

Adopt a structured approach to problem solving
Conceptualise problems to identify root causes

Programme management

Manage a complex portfolio or programme
Identify and monitor key issues and risks

Communication management

Conduct stakeholder identification and analysis
Develop stakeholder engagement plans

Participants also gain hands-on experience in a variety of business sectors, such as:

As well as participants gaining new skills, contacts and confidence, employers also benefit in many ways. Some of the advantages include increased agility and adaptability of key staff members, valuable experience gained from working across multiple sectors, and learning how to adopt a global approach to problem-solving. All this underlines the long-term ambition of the STEP programme to identify and inspire the next generation of internal business leaders.

STEP: a unique 24-week programme

Over the course of six months, participants complete a combination of in-class and virtual training, collaborative capstone projects, and consulting and internal transformation engagements. A total of 40 participants are enrolled in the bi-annual programme, with 20 participants in each intake. This is how it works.

Onboarding (week 1)
Training (weeks 2-6)
Project deployment (weeks 6-24)
Graduation (week 24)

Onboarding (week 1)

Participants follow an onboarding agenda created by our Human Capital and STEP teams.

This involves learning about PwC’s vision and values, consulting methods, tools and systems, as well as being introduced to the STEP programme in greater detail. Participants also benefit from invaluable interaction with our leadership team, as well as with their own dedicated buddies, mentors and coaches.

Training (weeks 2-6)

Participants undergo rigorous training at PwC’s Academy as part of a curriculum tailored for STEP. They complete virtual training modules curated on our Vantage platform, our very own dedicated online training platform, will deepen their learning and gain industry knowledge. Participants also work as a group on capstone projects that address pressing issues facing governments and businesses in the region, and in doing so apply the skills and knowledge learnt in class and on Vantage. Capstone projects are designed to prepare participants for deployment with clients through hands-on experience.

Project deployment (weeks 6-24)

During this stage, participants work on their assigned consulting and internal transformation engagements as full-time, core members of the team. These projects are particularly valuable in helping them develop both industry knowledge and practical consulting skills. Throughout their time with us, they are also an integral part of our digital training ecosystem. During the core weeks of the programme, participants meet with their mentors on a regular basis to discuss progress and receive performance feedback.

Graduation (week 24)

As the programme draws to a close, participants undergo a PwC performance appraisal by gathering feedback from their project work, discussing findings with their mentor and conducting a detailed self-assessment. At the end of the course, participants present their final learning and development outcomes to a panel of representatives.

Testimonials: what they learnt

I’ve gained great professional experience working with clients from both private and public sectors.

Fatima Al Amri, Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority

I’ve been able to bring back what I’ve learned and implement a positive change.

Mariam Alketbi, Family Development Foundation

The programme taught me how to work outside my comfort zone.

Zaid Alobeidli, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

It was a learning experience to work with colleagues from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Sarah Al Saleem, Abu Dhabi Agricultural and Food Safety Authority

I’ve been able to make meaningful connections.

Ali Alkatheeri, Abu Dhabi Agricultural and Food Safety Authority

Take the next STEP

To learn more about PwC’s world-class STEP programme, including who can benefit and how to apply, contact us using the form below:

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