Professional exams play a critical role in developing the future talent pipeline within professional services firms. Yet many organisations invest heavily in technical support while unintentionally overlooking some of the biggest drivers of exam success: study behaviours, stress management, mindset, manager support and workplace culture.

The result can be avoidable exam failure, increased stress, lower productivity, reduced retention and unnecessary pressure on both trainees and firms. Exam success is not simply an employee issue, it is a business issue.

This practical 45‑minute webinar is designed for HR and Learning & Development leaders who want to strengthen support for trainee professionals and create an environment where people feel equipped, supported and set up to perform at their best.

Event details

• Date: Thursday 24th September 2026
• Time: 12:30 – 13:15
• Format: Live Zoom webinar
• Host: Edel Walsh

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for:

• HR Leaders
• Learning & Development Professionals
• Graduate Programme Managers
• Talent Development Leads
• Early Careers Teams
• Performance Managers
• People Managers supporting trainee professionals
• Partners and leaders responsible for developing future talent

It is particularly relevant for firms employing trainee accountants, tax advisers and early‑career finance professionals.

 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Define what an effective exam success culture looks like in practice
• Recognise the hidden business impact of exam stress, repeated exam failure and inadequate support structures
• Identify non‑technical drivers influencing exam performance
• Understand the critical role leaders, people managers and workplace culture play in supporting exam success
• Apply practical, evidence‑informed approaches to strengthen trainee support systems
• Identify strategies to encourage psychological safety, resilience and sustainable performance
• Leave with practical actions and quick wins that can immediately strengthen exam support within their organisation

Outcomes for Firms

Firms that actively build an exam success culture strengthen:

• Trainee retention and engagement
• Wellbeing and resilience
• Productivity and performance
• Employer reputation and graduate attraction
• Future leadership capability
• Sustainable talent development

Because today’s trainee is tomorrow’s manager, director or partner. Investing in exam success means investing in the future strength of your firm.