BDO expands its early career programmes

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has opened its applications for more than 130 apprentices across its UK offices as it continues to grow its early career programmes.

Applications for the apprenticeship programme, which is designed for students who have completed their A-level studies (or equivalent), will be open until 24 March 2024 and successful candidates will start at BDO in September 2024.

September will also see the firm welcome more than 650 people to its graduate trainee programme and more than 112 industrial placement students, who spend a year working at BDO in between their second and third year of university.

As part of its commitment to increasing access to accountancy, BDO is also hiring for its summer work experience and insight programmes.

Now in its third year, ‘Explore BDO’ is a three-day insight programme aimed at improving social mobility and access to accountancy for those from less privileged backgrounds.
The programme is open to students in years 11-13 who meet the lower socio-economic criteria and are considering a career in accountancy.

The firm is also recruiting for its annual Black Heritage programme, aimed at first year university students. Both programmes are open to candidates from across the UK.

Paul Eagland, managing partner at BDO, said: “We are committed to attracting and developing the brightest talent and strive to make the accountancy profession more accessible for everyone, no matter what their background.

“As a growing firm and a large employer of 7,500 people across the UK, our role in progressing the next generation of professionals has never been more important. We know one size does not fit all, so we hope that by offering a number of entry routes, we are creating opportunities for a wider range of people.”

Eagland added: “Having chosen not to go to university myself, I know firsthand the benefits an apprenticeship can bring and the lifelong skills you learn along the way. Programmes like Explore BDO, designed for those from less privileged backgrounds, have a huge role in improving social mobility both in our industry and across the UK, and I am proud to see BDO playing a part in this.”