TechnologyPwCPrint articleFeb 12, 2026 – 10.52amArtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the business models, operating structures and workforces of organisations across the globe.The professional services sector is not immune, and PwC Australia Advisory leader Ro Antao says the key to success is becoming the “human at the helm” of AI. “At PwC, we see AI amplifying human potential – not replacing it,” he says.“Our early career employees are well positioned to embrace this evolving technology, and we have designed targeted programs to empower them to use AI from day one.“We focus on the skills that make humans irreplaceable such as adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, empathy, leadership, curiosity – things that are uniquely human.“That is what sets businesses, and individuals, apart.”PwC’s bespoke programs aim to enable graduates and trainees to deploy AI responsibly and confidently, setting them up to be the next generation of business leaders, who use the evolving technology as a partner, not as a tool.AdvertisementThis allows them to advise organisations on complex challenges that require both technical capability and human insight.“Graduates and trainees are entering the workforce at an exciting, but daunting, time,” Antao says. “Our clients are rethinking their business models and looking for opportunities which may not have previously existed.PwC Australia advisory leader Ro Antao.  “The expertise and human insights required to find and capitalise on those opportunities can’t be replaced, but it can be amplified and augmented by the new solutions at our fingertips.“That’s why we are focusing on training our graduates to be the responsible leaders at the forefront of AI.”Antao says an internal PwC academy aims to teach graduates and trainees the technical, leadership and management skills required to excel. It is enhanced by on-the-job learning across the firm’s lines of service: Assurance, Advisory and Tax & Legal.The real-time, discipline-specific upskilling teaches them how to use AI for core services, such as transforming finance functions, driving its next-generation audit platform or optimising tax and legal operations.Upskilling is further enhanced through PwC’s 500-person-strong AI Champions program, run by its AI Centre of Excellence, which provides formalised training and peer-to-peer learning on leading-edge AI tools.The programs are designed to support the firm’s people value proposition – “Grow Here, Go Further”. “Our ambition is to invest in and prepare our people to be the leaders of tomorrow, regardless of where their career journey takes them,” Antao says.Associate Thomas de Valle joined PwC as a trainee while completing his bachelor’s degree, having been drawn to the firm by the opportunity to work with like-minded people who are curious and future-focused, especially regarding technology.His experience with AI and data has exceeded those expectations, having been given access to bespoke tools that have bolstered his productivity and accuracy on qualitative analysis.“I was hoping I would come across these experiences, but it’s definitely developed more quickly than I originally imagined,” he says.De Valle is an AI Champion and has started to reverse mentor senior leaders through the firm’s AI Personal Trainer program. “It’s been really rewarding, learning new skills and then having the opportunity to teach my mentors and leaders,” he says.“I can’t think of a place where a graduate can have that much visibility and influence.”His immediate career goal is to introduce more AI solutions into his everyday work, which he believes will make him more efficient and ultimately progress his career.“I’d like to figure out how I could automate more of my tasks and not just for the purpose of making it quicker to do them, but to enhance quality and consistency of the work that I’m completing,” De Valle says.“By doing that, I can then manage more complex program processes as time goes on.”PwC’s early career program also exposes graduates and trainees to its global network, encourages them to participate in social impact activities and helps them to embrace a culture of sustainable high performance.“By getting involved in initiatives such as our secondment program, Impact Month, and making the most of our flexible workplace policy, our graduates are able to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive environment,” Antao says.“As someone who has worked across many different countries and cultures, I can safely say having this diverse experience has been the greatest gift of my career.“I know it is something our graduates value, and it is what sets PwC apart.”For more information, visit hereSponsored by PwCThis content has been funded by an advertiser and written by the Nine commercial editorial team.SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? 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