Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has welcomed 32 trainees in Yorkshire, joining more than 500 across the firm’s UK offices this week.
The trainees, who join BDO’s 8,500 strong workforce across its four core business areas – Audit, Tax, Deals and Consulting, Risk and Outsourcing (CRO) – are a combination of university graduates, school leaver apprentices and students undertaking a 12-month industrial placement. 55% will be based in regions outside of London aligned to BDO’s commitment to sustained regional growth. The Yorkshire intake will be based in the firm’s Leeds office.
Following the arrival of 525 new trainees, more than one in four BDO employees are now undertaking a graduate or school leaver apprenticeship or industrial placement. Regionally, the firm has continued to invest in early career pathways, with 84 trainees joining in Yorkshire since 2024.
This year, BDO has significantly expanded its early engagement activity, reaching over 8,200 young people through its in-person events, social mobility programmes and virtual work experience opportunities; all of which are designed to support young people explore a career in professional services.
Additionally, this year’s early career intake will also include eight individuals who are alumni of the ‘Explore BDO’ insight programme, designed to support students in Year 12 and 13 from lower socio-economic background understand career pathways and broaden access into the accountancy profession.
According to BDO’s Young Minds: The Unequal Advantage Report, a survey of 2,000 young people, this type of exposure to employers whilst they are still in education is crucial in helping them shape their aspirations and access to the world of work.
Dan Brookes, Interim Regional Managing Partner at BDO in Yorkshire and the North East and Sponsoring Partner nationally for Social Mobility, said: “The impact of investing in early career opportunities cannot be overstated and BDO is committed to supporting young people across Yorkshire to reach their potential. We know the ripple effect these pathways have. They have the power to not only break down generational barriers, but to improve social mobility and make the accountancy sector, and society more generally, more inclusive and equitable for all.”
He added: “It’s such a rewarding experience to welcome our annual cohort of trainees to BDO in Leeds. Each year they bring a wealth of fresh perspectives, energy and curiosity to the business. With the skills shortages and labour market conditions businesses are facing today, it’s never been more important to offer meaningful career opportunities to help develop the leaders of the future.”
Dani Trickett, an audit trainee in BDO’s Leeds office, joined BDO’s school-leaver apprenticeship programme in 2022 and qualified this summer. She said:
“During school, I never knew accountancy apprenticeships existed. It wasn’t until I began researching my options that I came across them. There is so much information and guidance given to young students looking to go to university, but that path isn’t right for everyone.
“For me, the first-hand experience you get through an apprenticeship is so beneficial to understanding the technical aspects of a profession like accountancy. Working, alongside studying, towards my qualification has given me a wide range of skills, from being able to problem-solve through to understanding a business’s needs. My advice to someone thinking about an apprenticeship in accountancy would be that the hard work that goes into your studies is worth the rewards you get from it. The network you build around you is invaluable to helping you succeed.”
BDO’s induction: building networks, confidence and skills
In their first week, the trainees are attending a two-day induction at Wembley Stadium where they’ll participate in sessions around innovation, technology & data, quality & risk and personal brand. They’ll have the opportunity to network with their peers and meet new colleagues from around the business. The induction opens with a welcome from BDO UK Managing Partner, Mark Shaw.
Creating lasting impact
As part of their wider induction to BDO, the new joiners will learn about their strengths and how technology is changing the workplace. They will be encouraged to think about how skills such as reasoning, critical thinking and creativity will help them succeed, alongside practical digital readiness learning modules and tools.
Additionally, following the success of this year’s firmwide Insight sessions which was run by first year trainees, this cohort will have the opportunity to deliver their own sessions next summer. It will give them a chance to develop their leadership, team building and community engagement skills through the firm’s Citizenship initiative.
Image provided by BDO LLP
