19.9 C
Manchester
Friday, September 19, 2025
BlogGrant Thornton boosts school leaver intake to record high

Grant Thornton boosts school leaver intake to record high

Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP is set to welcome a record 213 school leavers onto its apprenticeship programme this year. This is a 13% increase compared to 2022 (188) and the highest number ever welcomed by the firm in one intake. 

This year, for the first time, the ratio of school leavers and graduates joining the firm’s audit department – which hires the largest number of trainees in the business – reached over a 50:50 split, with more school leavers than graduates joining the function.

Grant Thornton is also set to welcome a record number of new joiners to its overall trainee intake, with 496 school leavers and graduates joining the firm this year combined.  

As well as welcoming its new trainee intake, the firm, which is a founding member of Access Accountancy, is set to offer 218 work experience placements to sixth form students through the scheme this year – a significant increase compared to 2022 (131). 

Carl Williams, Managing Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the North West, said: “The fight for talent in the accountancy profession is fierce and, at Grant Thornton, we’ve been evolving our approach to identifying talent for several years now, with much more of a focus on future potential and strengths, as opposed to past achievements and academic profile. Our focus on increasing our school leaver intake has allowed us to access a new, diverse talent pool that we would previously have been missing. 

“The school leaver apprenticeship route offers an excellent path into the profession for young students. Our school leavers develop into well rounded business advisers, gain an internationally recognised qualification and become professionally qualified a year ahead of their peers who choose to go to university and then join our graduate programme. 

“There are now many different routes available for young people considering a career in accountancy, but we know that misconceptions remain about how to enter the profession. Our continued involvement in important initiatives such as Access Accountancy, helps us to reach young people still at school who would most benefit from the opportunity for work experience and to gain invaluable insight into the profession and the routes available to them.” 

Georgia Wright is an audit associate based in Manchester. She joined the firm’s school leaver apprenticeship programme two years ago: “I knew that I would not thrive at university and wanted to kickstart my career in a role that involved numbers, so getting straight into a job was the best decision for me.   

“The school leaver apprenticeship route has built my confidence and given me independence. Getting paid whilst training meant I could afford to move out of my parents’ house and live independently. I also love that my exams directly correlate to a qualification that will open many doors in the future.” 

Latest

Simple ways to reduce risks at work

Workplace safety isn’t just about hard hats and warning signs. Awareness is also crucial. Small, everyday actions can prevent the kinds of accidents that disrupt...

Tees Valley International Film Festival to Premiere “3 Peaks 3 Pots” This November

The eagerly awaited documentary 3 Peaks 3 Pots will have its first screening on 6 November 2025 at ARC Stockton, marking one of the...

Half of employees feel success goes uncelebrated at work

More than half of UK employees say seeing their organisation featured in the media or winning industry awards makes them feel prouder to work...

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

Timberwise Boss Reveals Five Costly Issues Buyers of Older Homes Should Know

A leading voice in property care has revealed the five most widespread and expensive issues that often arise when people purchase older homes. George Edwards,...

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

More News

Legal steps you must complete when selling a property

Selling your home can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you're not sure about all the legal stuff. But don’t worry – we’ve got...

Mobile Cloud Mining App by AIXA Miner Set to Transform Crypto Access in 2025

AIXA Miner has unveiled its official mobile cloud mining application, signalling the beginning of a more flexible and user-friendly era in cryptocurrency mining. The platform,...

How Manchester’s Tech Startups Are Powering Growth with Headless CMS Architecture

In no time at all, Manchester has emerged as one of the UK's leading technology hubs. The city is home to a vibrant startup...