The VAT IT article program requires you to take responsibility for your own path. You won’t be given a list of “tick boxes” to do each day. Instead, you are allowed to explore different industries, roles and companies to find what you are best at by rotating between the various businesses in the group. I have had the privilege of working directly with senior managers across the group and can testify to their mentality of innovation, constantly looking for the next big idea. Working at VAT IT, you hear about the concept of a meritocracy often. Management shows little regard for age, experience and background, instead focusing on hiring and promoting individuals who work hard and are brilliant at what they do. The program is flexible and growing, offering a personal experience for each trainee. Individuals who have a strong work ethic, are eager to learn and who are willing to be thrown in the deep end will thrive in this environment. The program is small and competitive, which results in a group of trainees who challenge and push each other to achieve at the highest level. I am thankful for the experience VAT IT has given me, and look forward to continuing my career at the company after articles.

The TOPP programme at VATIT has really been the most unbelievable exposure to the world of Business and Entrepreneurship.

To be exposed to and learn from such dynamic and empowering business leaders as well as to move around the different Business Units within the group and understand the underpinnings of so many different global entities has been one of the best learning curves that I could have asked for!

Completing my CA(SA) articles at VAT IT has been an incredibly enriching experience. The unique structure of the program, which allows for rotations across different businesses within the group, offers exposure to various industries and roles. This diversity has enabled me to develop a broad range of technical and soft skills, while also learning how to adapt to new environments quickly.

During my articles at VAT IT, I was given multiple opportunities to experience different business units. This exposed me to a level of responsibility and growth that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere. If real business and entrepreneurship excites you, VAT IT is the place to do your articles.

From the moment I began interacting with VAT IT I knew it would be a great experience. I felt welcome from the first interview. The recruitment team and the VAT IT family make you feel appreciated and part of the family from the get go. The programme has allowed me to rotate through numerous divisions within TecEx which is a part of the VAT IT group. I have gained great entrepreneurial experience in sales, client service and operations which has been amazing. All the people in the company are very welcoming and throughout my time I have had nothing but a good experience. I feel as though the skills I have learned will not be matched in many of the other programmes out there.

“As a second-year articles trainee at VAT IT, I can comfortably say that there is no other programme I would have chosen. In my PGDA (CTA) year I was miserable and uncertain as to whether I wanted to continue along the CA path. When I was presented with the opportunity to complete my articles at VAT IT, I accepted without hesitating. I had never heard of a programme where you can rotate within a business, to experience it from the interior, as opposed to auditing it from its exterior.  The programme has been challenging but rewarding – I have had exposure to different managers, different businesses and different teams. I have learnt how to adapt to different work environments, how to work under different management/leadership styles and how to be flexible. As a VAT IT TOPP, you form part of a tightly-knit group of trainees who are allocated to roles that bring out their strengths and teach them about their weaknesses. Throughout, you are supported by a small but strong team who are invested in your growth not only as a professional, but as an individual.”