Yes. The structure is that your firm seconds you to UCT for the AT year. Please consult with your firm on whether they are happy to second you.
7. How does the AT year affect training with our signed firm?
It is firm dependent. The Cape Town firms generally train you while you are an AT. The Johannesburg firms may however wait for you to join them to train you.
8. How do the firms regard the AT year?
They regard it very highly, especially with regards to our superior technical knowledge having studied further in our respective fields. They also rate the presentation and communication skills we obtain through lecturing and tutoring very highly.
9. How many trainees do the firm allow to do AT?
It is firm dependent. It depends on the number of trainees that pass their respective CTA's (PGDA), as well as their work load for the year ahead.
10. Do we get forgotten by our firms?
Yet again firm dependent. It is also your responsibility to keep in touch with your firm, as it is a two-way relationship. Best advice is to attend the bulk of the social functions during the year. Try and keep contact with another first-year clerk at your firm to remain in the loop.
11. How do we get remunerated?
On a par with your firm. We cannot disclose whether it is better or worse, but it is more than sufficient. What we can say is that it is structured that the pay is a fixed monthly amount, there are no medical benefits or pension etc. and there is no increase on passing SAICA Initial Test of Competence (but there is a "passing" bonus). It is also set between the Cape Town and Johannesburg firms' average salaries.
12. Can we do any other non-AT work, i.e. private tutoring?
No, all you need is to pass PGDA and display above average academic potential, unfortunately PGDA students who have been granted a supplementary exam in the final exam, may not become an AT.
14. Does an AT have free time?
Enough, but you will you end up doing a lot more than you think.Marking and preparation for tutorials and lectures does take up plenty of time.
